Rituals of Mothering in the Middle Ages – International Conference at the University of Cyprus
December 24, 2025
Maternal Milk and Breastfeeding in Byzantium Featured in CyBC Radio Interview with Professor Stavroula Constantinou
April 20, 2026
Motherhood and Breastfeeding in Byzantium Presented in CYBC (RIK) Broadcast Interview
On 18 March 2026, Professor Stavroula Constantinou, Director of CeMAR – Centre for Medieval Arts and Rituals at the University of Cyprus, was featured in the CYBC (ΡΙΚ) programme “Kati gia ton dromo”, presenting the research project “Maternal Milk and Breastfeeding in Middle and Late Byzantium (8th–15th centuries)”.
source: https://radio.rik.cy/show/kati-gia-ton-dromo/
18-3-2026
The project forms part of an ongoing research trajectory initiated in 2019, aiming to develop a critical historical account of motherhood and breastfeeding from Late Antiquity to Byzantium.
The discussion highlighted the central role of breast milk as the primary and safest source of infant nutrition in premodern societies, alongside institutional practices such as wet nursing. It also addressed the social and gendered dimensions of breastfeeding, prevailing medical beliefs, and networks of female solidarity.
Particular emphasis was placed on the cultural and religious representations of motherhood in Byzantine sources, as well as on the contemporary relevance of breastfeeding as a socially embedded practice requiring systemic support.
CeMAR continues its work through ongoing publications and the preparation of a monograph, contributing to international scholarship on the history of motherhood, gender, and health in the medieval world.
Funding acknowledgement:
The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus through the Research and Innovation Foundation (Programme “Excellence Hubs”: EXCELLENCE/0524/0012 and EXCELLENCE/1216/0020) and the University of Cyprus (UCY).
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