Ancient Greek Children Breastfed Until Age Four
A new study of burial remains reveals that infants in ancient Himera were typically weaned at 3.8 years of age.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Babies
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Researchers analyzing burial remains from the ancient Greek colony of Himera have determined that children were breastfed until approximately age four. The study sheds new light on historical infant feeding practices in Sicily between the 7th and 5th centuries B.C.
Why it matters
Understanding these long-term breastfeeding habits offers insights into how ancient Mediterranean cultures prioritized infant nutrition and development. These practices provide a stark contrast to significantly shorter weaning periods recorded in later Roman-era populations.
The study analyzed 58 children and 27 adult women, with researchers utilizing a statistical model based on 50 children aged 10 or younger. Findings showed that while exclusive breastfeeding ended at 3 to 4 months, complete weaning reached an average of 3.8 years.
The players
Soranus
He was a prominent medical writer in the 2nd century A.D. whose historical texts recorded recommendations for infant care and weaning.
Galen
He was a famous physician and philosopher in the Roman Empire who documented medical practices and health standards of his time.
The details
By measuring carbon and nitrogen chemical traces in bone collagen, scientists tracked how children transitioned from nursing to solid foods. The data suggests that children in Himera consumed diets higher in plant matter and lower in animal protein than adults until they reached age 9 or 10.
Timeline
7th to 5th centuries B.C.: Time period when Himera functioned as a cultural meeting place.
2nd century A.D.: Era when medical writers Soranus and Galen recorded weaning recommendations.
October 20, 2026: Date the research study was published.
Culture Shift
The discovery illustrates a significant shift in ancient childcare norms compared to later Roman customs. By showing that extended breastfeeding was a standard practice in Greek colonies, the findings challenge the assumption that infant care remained uniform across the Mediterranean.
These historical findings inform current perspectives on long-term nutritional development and infant health. They offer a comparative lens for modern parents to view how traditional child-rearing practices have evolved across different civilizations over millennia.
The takeaway
Ancient societies utilized much longer weaning windows than those commonly recommended in later eras. This study highlights how nutritional practices were deeply intertwined with the cultural environment of ancient Greek colonies.
Further reading
For more on historical infant development, visit our Babies section.
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