Study provides new insights into medieval sex workers and childcare

Study provides new insights into medieval sex workers and childcare

In 1998, excavations were conducted in advance of the construction of the Oude Vismarkt square in Aalst, Belgium. During excavations, archaeologists uncovered a 14th-century brothel. Unusual for the time, they also discovered the burial of a 3-month-old child within the floor.

Sex workers in medieval brothel: infant burial reveals unexpected maternal care

A recently released study is offering a poignant and thought-provoking glimpse into life inside a 14th-century brothel in Aalst, Belgium. Far from the stereotypical tales of neglect and infanticide that have long dominated narratives surrounding medieval prostitution, researchers have uncovered compelling evidence of maternal care and emotional bonding inside a bathhouse-turned-brothel. Detail of the buried infant (AA.OV/161). Credit: Photo by F…