Greek Food and LifeStyle

Ancient Greeks ate variety of foods. Greeks had a very little breakfast in the morning that mostly consisted of bread soaked in undiluted vine. Olives and figs were also used in the breakfast. A day was divided into divisions. Dawn, market rush hour occurred at noon, and evening. Greeks used sundial or hour-glass water-clock to tell the time. Towards midday, Greeks took a slight meal that consisted of snacks. The most substantial meal of the day occurred in the evening or even later. Greeks had a moderate appetite. Bred was the most common among their food and during a meal, bread was accompanied by green vegetables, olives, meat, fish or fruit. Garlic, cheese and onions were consumed in large quantities. However, meat was an expensive choice except pork. Meat was usually eaten on religious ceremonies, festivals or other important events. Most of the Athenians relied on fish rather than meat. Most of the cooking was done by women, especially slaves. The most common drink was obviously water but milk was also drunk, especially goat milk. Vine was considered the “drink of kings”; the use of vine among Greek was common. Greeks enjoyed banquets and feasts. Unfortunately, In Greece, all the banquets were male affairs and women were not considered a part of it.

Greek Medicine

Greek Medicine
In ancient Greece, most of the medical facilities were located at sanctuaries of the healing god Asclepius. The medicine reached its highest level in 5th century Greece. Most of the advancements in this field were made by Hippocrates and his students. He and his followers opposed the ancient idea that diseases were caused by evil spirits or god’s bad mood. Hippocrates believed that there was a rational reasoning behind every disease. He also discovered the symptoms of pneumonia. He and his followers treated patients based on a natural healing process. New surgical tools were also invented and doctors had started to understand human anatomy in a much clearer sense. There were many medical schools in Greece present at that time but most famous was the medical school at Alexandria. Hippocratic Oath is still being taken by the newly graduated doctors.