Galen And His Importance In Roman Medicine

Galen and his importance in Roman Medicine Tasks 1. Galen trained as a doctor in Pergamum and in Alexandria. What is the significance of these two cities in the development of medicine in the Ancient World? 2. Galen’s first job was as a doctor to gladiators. Why might this have given him some special advantages in anatomy? 3. See the image below and answer the following questions:

a. b. c. d. e.

Pneuma Food Blood with natural spirit Blood with vital spirit Blood with animal spirit

4. Should historians see Galen’s work as a development or a change in medicine? Explain your answer 5. What effect did religious beliefs have on Galen’s work? (Think especially of the legacy) 6. Galen’s theory of anatomy and physiology was wrong. Does this mean it is not important in the history of medicine?