Aretaeus of Cappadocia

Ancient Greek physician

Aretaeus of Cappadocia was a prominent ancient Greek physician who lived during the Roman Empire. He is considered one of the most significant medical writers of antiquity, known for his detailed and accurate descriptions of various diseases. His works provide valuable insights into the medical practices and theories of his time.

Biography

Aretaeus was born in Cappadocia, a region in modern-day Turkey. The exact dates of his birth and death are not known, but he is believed to have lived in the 2nd century AD. Aretaeus studied medicine in Alexandria, which was a major center of learning and medical knowledge during the Hellenistic period.

Medical Contributions

Aretaeus is best known for his comprehensive treatises on diseases, which are divided into two main works: On the Causes and Symptoms of Acute and Chronic Diseases and On the Treatment of Acute and Chronic Diseases. These works are further divided into four books each, covering a wide range of medical conditions.

Diseases Described

Aretaeus provided detailed descriptions of several diseases, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and pneumonia. His account of diabetes is particularly notable for its accuracy and detail, describing the condition as "a melting down of the flesh and limbs into urine."

Medical Philosophy

Aretaeus followed the Hippocratic tradition, emphasizing the importance of clinical observation and the natural healing process. He believed in the balance of the four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile, which was a common medical theory of his time.

Legacy

Aretaeus's works were not widely known during his lifetime but gained recognition in the Byzantine Empire and later in the Renaissance, when they were translated into Latin. His writings have been preserved and studied for their historical and medical significance.

Related pages

• Hippocrates
• Galen
• Ancient Greek medicine
• History of medicine

Gallery

Aretaeus of Cappadocia