The Classical Era was undoubtedly a golden age for the development of medicine and scientific knowledge, allowing the Greeks and Romans to transform the practice of medicine. The classical era formed the roots of medicine as it shifted from more spiritual and divine traditions to a scientific based practice.
Medicine is clearly seen amongst the Gods, worshipped in both Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. Asclepius, the Greco-Roman god of medicine and son of the god of healing, Apollo, was greatly worshipped throughout the Classical age. In the Iliad, Homer references Asclepius as a skill full physician. He was also named to be the father of Greek doctors in Troy, earning his high status and ultimately gaining his respect as a God. Asclepius was shown to be standing, holding a staff with a serpent and dressed in a floor-length cloak. It is this symbol of the stuff which bears significance as a symbol of medicine.
Furthermore, this god was resident to several sanctuaries throughout Greece, the most well-known of these being Epidaurus. This was a respected site for the Greeks and Romans who used it as a central site for the healing. Healing temples were spaces used for a variety of things including bathing, rituals, and even dreaming. The divine influence on medicine can be seen as a central part of medicine during the classical era. Asclepiuus’ art form became so widely revered that it was believed he could not only heal this sick but also raise the dead. The temples Asclepius used can be seen to transform and influence transformation in medicine due to their implementation of a focus on a healthy diet and balanced lifestyle which included exercise. This can clearly be seen in modern day remedies to illness and the origins of this can be seen in the ancient Greco-Roman culture.
Later on an integral part of ancient medicine was Hippocrates- commonly known as ‘the Father of Medicine’. Hippocrates birth was dated circa 460 BCE and his death was around 377 BCE. He marks a significant transformation of the views of medicine in the classical era. This was a turning point as medicine veered away from the simply religious view upon it and towards the more scientific disciples. Hippocrates influenced the widespread knowledge of many branches of medicine Erin physiology, pathology and surgery. By revolutionising medicine, Hippocrates proved medicine to be an area of knowledge that had integrity and a professional outlook.
~Anjali
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