Susan P. Mattern

About the Author

Susan P. Mattern is a distinguished historian and professor emerita of history at the University of Georgia, where she has dedicated her career to illuminating the intersections of ancient medicine, science, and culture in the Roman world. With a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mattern's scholarship draws on classical texts and archaeological evidence to explore how figures like Galen shaped medical thought amid the grandeur and turmoil of the Roman Empire. Her acclaimed book, The Prince of Medicine: Galen in the Roman Empire, offers a vivid portrait of Galen's life, innovations, and enduring influence on Western medicine. Mattern's work bridges the gap between antiquity and modern health sciences, making complex historical narratives accessible and engaging for both scholars and general readers interested in the roots of medical practice.