Democedes

Democedes of Croton was an ancient Greek physician, renowned for his skill and detailed in Herodotus's Histories. Born in Croton, Magna Graecia, his father Calliphon was also a priest and physician. Democedes initially served Athens and Aegina before entering the service of Polycrates. In 522 BC, he was captured along with Polycrates' entourage by Oroetes and sent to Susa. In the Persian court, Democedes gained significant status by successfully treating Darius I's ankle injury and later, Atossa's breast ulcer, which is noted as the first recorded case of inflammatory mastitis. Despite the luxurious life he led, Democedes longed to return to Greece. He was eventually allowed to visit Greece as a reward. During a Persian reconnaissance mission along the coast of Greece, Democedes escaped with the assistance of Aristophilides of Taras, the ruler of Taras. Aristophilides disabled the Persian ships and briefly imprisoned the Persian nobles, allowing Democedes to flee to his native Croton. Back home, he married the daughter of the famous wrestler Milo of Croton. He is described as the most skillful physician of his time.