The history of medicine. How were the Ancient Greeks treated? || History is interesting

The ancient Greek medicine was not about modern doctors in white coats and pills, but it laid the foundation for contemporary medical practices.

Ancient Greek Beliefs About Disease The ancient Greeks viewed disease as a divine punishment and healing as a gift from the gods. Over time, they transitioned from spiritual to material causes of illness, leading to scientific investigations. Physicians were considered healers and practiced both medical science and religious rituals.

Development of Scientific Approach in Greek Medicine Greek physicians began studying human anatomy, causal relationships between symptoms and diseases, different treatment methods for the same illness. This marked the emergence of evidence-based medicine but Greek medicine was influenced by geographical variations, social class distinctions, gender differences in patient care.

Transition from Theory to Practice In ancient Greece, the transition from theory to practice in medicine was marked by observing symptoms and recognizing the impact of factors such as temperature, trauma, and constitution on diseases. The belief that a better understanding of disease symptoms could help in fighting illness became prevalent among Greek physicians.

Evolution of Ancient Greek Physicians Ancient Greek physicians were not limited to medical consultations but also included midwives, sports trainers, and others with practical health knowledge. Over time, they gained expertise in setting broken bones and using natural remedies for treating illnesses after realizing the importance of studying natural causes of diseases.

The medical works of ancient Greece, including the 'Iliad' by Homer and the 'Treatises' by Hippocrates, emphasized that nature is the best healer. The earliest mention of Greek medicine appeared in Gomera's writings about treating wounded soldiers from the Trojan War. These texts described practices such as washing wounds with warm water and included detailed scenes involving medicine and physicians. Other sources attribute around 60 treatises to Hippocrates, but historians are uncertain if they were written by him or someone else.

The Origins of Greek Medicine According to ancient records, one of the early Greek medical schools was founded in the 5th century BC. Alcmaeon of Croton worked at this school and is considered a distinguished medical theorist and philosopher. Some researchers believe he was both a practicing physician and a student of Pythagoras.

The Influence of Pythagorean School on Medicine The Pythagorean school introduced its theory into natural sciences when medicine as an area of knowledge did not exist yet. Followers believed that certain numbers had special significance, such as four representing the lunar month's duration and seven related to health factors like pregnancy length. They also emphasized ethical codes for students entering their ranks.

Influence of Aristotle and Plato on Anatomy Development Aristotle and Plato's influence on the development of anatomy, including the Hippocratic Finger Syndrome. Their idea that the human body was not used in an afterlife influenced Greek physicians' thinking, leading to dissections and surgical advancements.

Health Balance Theory & Treatment Recommendations The theory of health balance based on four bodily fluids adopted from Egyptian knowledge by Greeks. Hippocrates' recommendations for treating various illnesses using barley soup with vinegar and honey, sponge baths for pain relief, bloodletting for pneumonia treatment.

In ancient Greece, public health was not a priority for the authorities. The city-state did not ensure good water supply and sanitation for all citizens. Poor people focused on survival while the wealthy and educated Greeks practiced regular dental hygiene, bathing, and proper nutrition. Despite the decline of religion's influence, Greeks still sought healing from gods through temples that became resorts with gyms and public baths.