Hippocrates: Life and legacy

Hippocrates was born in Kos around 460 BC. He was a descendant of Asclepius, from his father Heraclides, and Heracles, from his mother Phaenareti. It is certain that he came from a hieratic family, since his direct ancestors were priests of Asclepios. The first to introduce him to medicine was his father Heraclides, and perhaps his grandfather Hippocrates the First.

The early knowledge Hippocrates received from his father and grandfather would be enriched by his encounters with nutritionists, sophists and philosophers, giving him a broader education beyond medicine. His knowledge would be further enhanced with medicine practice applied in the Asclepieion of Kos, up until that time. The Asclepieion was in operation before Hippocrates was even born and was already keeping records of the patients' treatments. These, therefore, were the things Hippocrates studied, taking particular interest in the diet that patients had to follow in each case.

Also known as the Hippocratic Corpus. It's a compilation of works written by Hippocrates or his disciples or at least containing teachings in the spirit of Hippocratic Medicine. The collection was preserved thanks to the famous Library of Alexandria. It covers many diverse aspects of medicine, from Hippocrates' medical theories to what he devised to be ethical means of medical practice, to addressing various illnesses. The most famous work in the Hippocratic Collection is the Hippocratic Oath, the landmark declaration of medical ethics. 

Hippocrates' fame was quickly spread and everyone invited him to offer his services.

During the Peloponnesian War, Hippocrates came to Athens and helped it rid of the plague. He visited Athens and after having observed that the ironworkers were not sick from the plague, he disinfected the air of the city with fire and prevented the pandemic. In gratitude, the Athenians made him their citizen, granted him free residency in the Prytaneum and honoured him with a golden crown.

Hippocrates left Kos at an advanced age and moved to Thessaly.

There are different opinions about the reasons that prompted Hippocrates to leave his homeland. What is certain is that he died at an advanced age, which in his honour, tradition raised up to 104 or even 109 years. He was buried there, between Tirnavos and Larissa.