'The light of my eyes': Medieval motherhood in the mediterranean[1]

Abstract

This article uses charter evidence and narrative and prescriptive sources to examine motherhood in a number of Mediterranean societies between the tenth and twelfth centuries. Issues explored include pregnancy and wetnursing; mothers as educators of their children; the changing role of the mother as the child reached maturity; and abandonment, step-parenting and adoption. The article suggests there may be differences between the Mediterranean and northern Europe in certain aspects of mothering, in particular the surrendering of children into the care of others.