Roman Marble Plaque Showing a Birth Scene

18 days left

Invest in History Education

By supporting our charity World History Foundation, you're investing in the future of history education. Your donation helps us empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the world around them. Help us start the new year ready to publish more reliable historical information, free for everyone.
$709 / $10000

Illustration

Laura Kate C. McCormack
by The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
published on 02 April 2024
Roman Marble Plaque Showing a Birth Scene Download Full Size Image

Marble plaque depicting a 'parturition', or birthing scene, excavated in Ostia, Italy, c. 400 BCE to 300 CE.

Such scenes eased the fears of expectant mothers by depicting positive birthing images. During this time, midwives were female. Men were not present at births unless a doctor was required in the case of a high-status mother. Here, a woman reclines on a couch covered in drapes, attended by three women. They are dressed in classical Roman robes and one is holding the baby.

Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection, Science Museum Group Collection, London.

Remove Ads
Advertisement

Cite This Work

APA Style

London, T. B. o. T. o. t. S. M. (2024, April 02). Roman Marble Plaque Showing a Birth Scene. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18722/roman-marble-plaque-showing-a-birth-scene/

Chicago Style

London, The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum,. "Roman Marble Plaque Showing a Birth Scene." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified April 02, 2024. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18722/roman-marble-plaque-showing-a-birth-scene/.

MLA Style

London, The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum,. "Roman Marble Plaque Showing a Birth Scene." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 02 Apr 2024. Web. 13 Dec 2024.

Membership