Infanticide and Rearing Practices in Ancient Greece

Infancy is a crucial part of life where development and growth begins in a child. In ancient Greece, infancy was also a crucial moment at which families determined whether a child would be reared or killed or exposed (abandoned). Because inheritance was patrilineal (through the paternal line), there was a gender-based distinction made between children, … More Infanticide and Rearing Practices in Ancient Greece

Pregnancy & Childbirth in Ancient Greece

  As one might expect, childbirth in the ancient world was extremely dangerous. This was due partially to a lack of understanding about the female body, leading to societal assumptions about pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the use of potentially dangerous herbs. The Hippocratic writings A large portion of the written sources about women’s … More Pregnancy & Childbirth in Ancient Greece