Mentioned in Roman and Greek texts, though highly dangerous due to the risk of infection and hemorrhage. Cultural Views
The most famous contraceptive of antiquity. A giant fennel from Cyrene so effective and popular it was harvested to extinction by the 1st century CE.
While it contains a line against providing "pessaries to cause abortion," historians debate if this was a total ban or a specific rejection of dangerous, invasive methods. 🏛️ Social and Legal Context
Midwives and doctors utilized probes or vigorous physical activity (jumping, heavy lifting) to terminate pregnancies.
Ancient societies relied heavily on "herbalism" to prevent pregnancy. Many methods were surprisingly effective, though others were purely symbolic.