NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
Generally I do not agree that basically believed in the supernatural because although many early Greeks in particular were very dependent on supernatural power, I believe that the Greeks built the foundations for many medical theories, which were to stand for thousands of years. In 800 BC Greek civilization began. Towns and cities like Athens and Sparta were developed and people began to settle down and live a much more civilized life. The Greeks became very knowledgeable as they often communicated ideas with other people from other places. Their way of life was more settled than previous civilizations and this led them to having more time to think about such things as medicine. The Greek communities were also known for their trade and because of the geographical positioning of their empire; they naturally became a trading centre, which was visited by many people from across the globe.
These people often brought with them new ideas that were then developed by the Greeks and some are still used even today. Great philosophical thinkers had much time on their hands, as, like the Egyptians, the Greeks were rich. They made their wealth from farming and trade in which the slaves did much of the work. This left the wealthy time to be educated and discuss new ideas. Soon they began to question the role of the gods. They thought that the body worked without the aid of supernatural power and that there were more rational explanations for the contraction of diseases and illnesses.
One of these great men was Hippocrates. Hippocrates was the most famous Greek doctor. He developed the theory of the four humours. He decided that the weather caused an imbalance in Hippocrates the bodys fluids.
Generally this theory made a lot of sense and although we now know it is not correct, it is important because it was used all across the world up until the last few centuries, so many of our proven medical discoveries were made with the theory of the four humours. After 600 BC most Greeks decided that there were natural explanations for most events in the body. After Hippocrates, the role of doctors in Greek society became very important. These doctors began to search for the natural explanations everyone was looking for.
They also discovered that illness could be prevented, and the importance of keeping healthy was realised. People began to wash daily, and exercise was considered vital. A long walk was taken every day, and of course the Greeks were keen athletes. They did sports such as running, discus, javelin and jumping which we still do today, and they were the founders of the Olympic Games, which were first held in 776 BC. The Greeks believed that to stay free from illness, you must look after your personal hygiene and exercise your body. They cleaned their teeth with fine peppermint powder, similar to the toothpaste we use today.
They also looked after their skin and realised how damaging the sun could be, as the Greek Empire was of a high climate, they rubbed oil into themselves before being exposed to the sun, particularly when exercising naked. In 335 BC Alexander the Great conquered Egypt and founded Alexandria. Geographically Alexandra was a focal point for the world, and because of its positioning on the Nile delta it received many visitors including world class scholars. Soon a school was set up and this was vital in the development of medicine as its enormous library was a place where new discoveries could be recorded. The library collected writings not only from Greek writers such as Hippocrates, but also from doctors in India, China, Egypt and Mesopotamia. It was said that eventually there were 700, 000 different items in the library.
People from everywhere gathered in Alexandria to discuss their theories and ideas. It was popular amongst Greek doctors in particular because it was the only Greek state where human dissection was legal.
Free research essays on topics related to: greeks, explanations, library, people began, hippocrates
Research essay sample on Theory Of The Four Humours Theory Of The Four Greek
