Midwives of ancient Rome
In ancient Rome, midwives (obstetrices) played a key role in society, being not only specialists in the field of obstetrics but also women’s guides in one of the most important moments of their lives – the birth of a child.
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Society is a collection of curiosities dedicated to the daily life, customs, and social structure of ancient Rome. This category includes lesser-known facts and interesting information about interpersonal relationships, family, social status, work, and the functioning of various social strata of the Roman Empire.
In ancient Rome, midwives (obstetrices) played a key role in society, being not only specialists in the field of obstetrics but also women’s guides in one of the most important moments of their lives – the birth of a child.
The entire life of Roman citizens revolved around the city on the one hand and around the family (familia) on the other. The word meant a little more than family. It included all the inhabitants of the house: parents, children, grandchildren, slaves, and even freedmen who stayed with their masters. They were all subject to the authority of the father of the family. It was in the family environment that the most important events in the life of a Roman and the rituals related to them took place.
Sumptuariae leges were laws that were intended to regulate expenses and limit luxuries in Roman society.