ΚΕΛΣΟΣ

Definition

The name Celsus (Latin: Celsus) is the Greek transliteration of a Roman cognomen, meaning 'lofty, elevated, eminent.' In ancient Greek literature, references to 'Celsus' primarily point to two historical figures who left an indelible mark. Firstly, Aulus Cornelius Celsus, a Roman encyclopedist and physician of the 1st century CE, known chiefly for his work De Medicina, which stands as one of the most significant sources for ancient medical knowledge. His work, written in Latin, was extensively translated and studied in the Greek-speaking world, influencing medical thought.

Secondly, and perhaps more widely recognized in Greek philosophical and theological discourse, is Celsus the Platonist, a 2nd-century CE philosopher who authored Ἀληθὴς Λόγος (The True Word, c. 175 CE), one of the earliest and most comprehensive critiques of Christianity. Celsus's work is preserved almost entirely through the extensive quotations provided by Origen in his own apologetic treatise Contra Celsum, written as a refutation. Celsus is presented as a sharp critic, possessing deep knowledge of both Greek philosophy and Christian scriptures, challenging the logic and historical foundations of the new religion.

The presence of these two Celsuses in Greek intellectual life underscores the interaction between Greek and Roman cultures, as well as the integration of foreign names and ideas into the Greek context. The name, though of foreign provenance, became a point of reference for medical science and philosophical polemics, rendering it an integral part of the Greek lexicon of ideas.

Main Meanings

1. Aulus Cornelius Celsus — The Roman encyclopedist and physician of the 1st century CE, author of De Medicina, a foundational work on ancient medicine.
2. Celsus the Platonist — The Platonist philosopher of the 2nd century CE, known for his critique of Christianity through his work Ἀληθὴς Λόγος.
3. Author of Ἀληθὴς Λόγος — Celsus's identity as the author of the early and significant anti-Christian work, preserved through Origen.
4. Critic of Christianity — Celsus's role as one of the first and most incisive intellectuals to challenge Christian belief from a philosophical perspective.
5. Representative of the Hellenistic medical tradition — Through Aulus Cornelius Celsus, the name is associated with the systematic recording and dissemination of medical knowledge.
6. Symbol of the conflict between philosophy and religion — The polemic between Celsus and Origen serves as a classic example of the dispute between ancient philosophy and emerging Christian theology.

Word Family

Celsus (proper noun, meaning 'the lofty, the eminent')

The name Celsus, though a proper noun, functions as the root of a 'family' of concepts and references that significantly shaped Greek intellectual discourse. These are not linguistic derivatives in the typical sense, but rather historical, philosophical, and scientific connections arising from the presence of eminent personalities bearing this name. Each 'member' of this family illuminates a different aspect of Celsus's influence in the Greek-speaking world, from medical science to theological polemics.

In Ancient Texts

Two characteristic passages highlighting the critical thought of Celsus the Platonist, as preserved by Origen:

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΚΕΛΣΟΣ:

Sources & Bibliography

• Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, with a revised supplement. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996.
• Origen — Contra Celsum. Edited and translated by Henry Chadwick. Cambridge University Press, 1965.
• Celsus, A. Cornelius — De Medicina. Edited and translated by W. G. Spencer. Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, 1935-1938.
• Chadwick, Henry — Origen: Contra Celsum. Cambridge University Press, 1965 (introduction and commentary).
• Grant, Robert M. — Celsus, On the True Doctrine: A Discourse Against the Christians. Oxford University Press, 1993.