Galenus

Categories: Ancient, Educational, Medical

Mechanics: Set Collection, Worker Placement

Players: 1–4

Ages: 14+

Playtime: 60–120 Min

Galenus immerses you in the world of Imperial Roman medicine, where celebrated advances and intense rivalries shape the art of healing. At the forefront stands Galenus, whose theories on humorism—the belief that ailments stem from imbalances in four bodily fluids: black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood—dominated Western medical science for over 1300 years. Will you challenge his legacy?

In this worker placement game, you plan up to 6 actions and decide when and how to execute them. While some players are still planning, others might be resolving their actions. You can recruit and treat patients to gain knowledge in one of the four humors, publish works based on that knowledge, acquire herbs to assist your treatments, rejuvenate in the baths, or adopt new philosophies. At the end of each year, you compete in medical contests, using your focus and knowledge to earn reputation. Publish significant works or make a notable impact, and you might gain Galenus's respect and enter his inner sanctum.