Greek 123

While many of you may have heard of Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician, what many of you may not know is that he was also known as “The Father of Medicine” and he played a crucial role in developing medicine as both a profession and a discipline. Prior to Hippocrates, medicine was not separated from other areas of study.

Hippocrates was the founder of the Hippocratic School of Medicine, which is where he earned his nickname of “The Father of Medicine.” There is a lot of speculation as to what Hippocrates achieved in the field of medicine, and while not all of it is 100% certain, many people believe that Hippocrates was the only who wrote the oath or pledge that was later dubbed “The Hippocratic Oath.” If you go to your doctor’s office, you will notice a framed piece of paper with some text on it. This is the ancient Greek oath written by Hippocrates.

This oath (όρκος) was a promise made by those studying medicine – a vow to care for each and every one of their patients ethically and to the best of their ability. The students who promise to the different Greek gods of healing (including Apollo, who was also a physician) that they would never intentionally harm their patients. They were forced to take this oath before there were able to practice medicine, and this oath is still around today.

Many doctors take this oath today, although it is not mandatory. It is considered to be a rite of passage that many recent graduates of medical school take. This is all thanks to Hippocrates, who was Greek!

Learn Greek by learning about Hippocrates:

Oath – όρκος

Health – υγεία

Medicine – ιατρική

Doctor – γιατρός

The komboloi (κομπολόγι) is a string of beads that are also known as worry beads. Almost all Greeks will purchase one at some point in their life – both young and old Greeks alike. They are used to relieve stress, pass the time, as a conversation piece and can help motivate you for different dueling tasks in your life as well. People play with their komboloi all the time – during lunch, conversations and also when they aren’t very busy at work and have some free time.

Komboloi can come in all different colors and sizes. The beads are round. They are sold pretty much everywhere in Greece, including local stores, kiosks, street vendors, and especially at tourist shops. After all, the komboloi is the number one item purchased by tourists!

Learn Greek with the komboli:

Worry Beads – komboloi – κομπολόγι

Stress – στρες

Tourists – τουρίστες

Colors – χρώματα

Beads – χάντρες

Plural komboli – κομπολόγια

The Olympics are perhaps the most famous games and sporting events known to mankind today. The Olympic Games originated in Greece and the first games were recorded in 776 B.C. Lasting until 393 A.D., when the emperor Theodosius of Byzantium prohibited them, the Olympics were held every four years in honor of the god Zeus. Here are some interesting facts about the Olympic Games:

Fact: The Olympic Games started in 776 B.C. and lasted until 393 A.D.

Fact: The Olympic Games took place every 4 years in the honor of the god Zeus.

Fact: Young men from all over Greece were allowed to participate. Women were prohibited from not only participating, but watching the games as well. Speak Greek: athletes = αθλητές

Fact: Before the games started, heralds went all over Greece to the large cities to stop any wars or fighting that might be going on at the time. They called this a εκεχειρία, or truce.

Fact: The games last a total of 5 days.

Fact: Events included running, the javelin, discus throwing, jumping and a chariot race.

Fact: The trophy was an olive tree branch. The branch was cut down with a golden knife by a young boy.

Fact: Those that won became local heroes in their home towns and many had statues of themselves in the public square. Their names were carved on the walls of the Thesaurus –temples dedicated to the different Greek gods, which was located in Delphi.

Learn Greek by learning about the Olympics:

Athletes = αθλητές

Truce = εκεχειρία