Thousands-of-Years-Old Baby Bottles Reveal How Ancient Infants Were Fed

By Jillian Mock
Sep 25, 2019 12:00 PMNov 11, 2019 6:23 PM
Baby-Feeding-Vessels-1024x674
Two Late Bronze Age feeding vessels dated to around 1200– 800 BC. (Credit: Katharina Rebay-Salisbury)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Ancient pottery is helping scientists learn how prehistoric parents fed their infants.

A study of tiny clay pots with small spouts discovered at archaeological digs reveals that the vessels were likely used as milk bottles to feed babies. The specialized pots have long been found at sites around the world, and scientists have speculated that they may have been used to feed children or the sick. By looking at the lingering traces of ancient food inside these clay bottles, scientists have finally unlocked their secrets.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.