Galen (Great Lives from History: The Ancient World, Prehistory-476)
Early Life
Galen (GAH-luhn) was born on an estate in Pergamum (also known as Pergamon), a city situated on the mainland almost opposite the island of Lesbos in Asia Minor. Pergamum lay inland in a fertile valley, and its hilltops were crowned by temples and theaters. Pergamum’s library rivaled Alexandria’s. Another distinguishing feature was the Asclepieion, or medical temple dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing. This was a combination religious sanctuary, sanatorium, and place of recreation. Pergamum was one of the great seats of Christianity and held one of the...
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