What did the Greeks think about elements?

The ancient Greeks believed that all matter was composed of four fundamental elements: earth, water, air, and fire. This concept was introduced by philosophers such as Empedocles and later expanded upon by Aristotle, who added a fifth element, aether, to account for celestial bodies. These elements were thought to be associated with specific qualities and transformations, influencing not only the physical world but also human health and temperament. This elemental theory laid the groundwork for later scientific inquiry into the nature of matter.