CLASSICS 2K03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Childbirth, Polis, Openair
2 Feb 2016
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Slaves often served as wet-nurses or nannies (and tutors when the children were older) Many greeks were raised mostly by slaves. Some greeks were very fond of the slaves who had raised them, while others did not seem nearly so sentimental. Childbirth was incredibly dangerous and many women died while giving birth. Exposure: a common way to get rid of unwanted infants (especially those who had some kind of defect ) Take the baby and leave it somewhere (not actively killing it) Most exposed infants died, although some were saved and raised by those who found them. Famously exposed babies: oedipus, remus + romulus, atalanta. There may have been so many stories about exposed children because parents wanted to feel better about leaving their children. Man infants died in their first days and weeks, and as many as 25% may have died in their first year. Infants were formally named 10 days after birth.
