GALEN (129-199 A.D.)

Remaining within the Hippocratic framework, Galen synthesized a system of medicine that dominated the West for nearly a millennium and a half. Born in Asia Minor, he studied anatomy and medicine in his native city, Pergamum, and in Alexandria. After serving as physician to the gladiators for several years, he left Pergamum and established a medical practice in Rome, where he enjoyed the patronage of the ruling class. Galen’s writings covered almost every aspect of medicine. His authority remained unchallenged until the Renaissance.