Discover the medieval history of Agrigento and the practice of child abandonment through the wheel of the exposed. An in-depth look at the life, welfare institutions and popular beliefs of medieval Sicily
Introduction
The medieval history of Agrigento is full of fascinating and often dramatic episodes, which reflect the complex social and cultural dynamics of the time. A particularly relevant and shocking practice was that of abandoning children, a widespread reality not only in Sicily but throughout Europe. This article explores this practice in detail, with particular attention to its evolution and social and cultural implications in Agrigento.
Historical and Social Context
Child abandonment was a practice known since ancient times, but it intensified significantly between the 12th and 14th centuries. During this period, increasing urbanization and economic pressure contributed to the increase in abandonment cases. In Agrigento, as in other medieval cities, abandoned children were often left in the wheels of monasteries or in front of churches, in the hope that religious institutions would take care of them.
Welfare institutions
The medieval hospitals in Agrigento were not only places of treatment for the sick and pilgrims, but also shelters for abandoned children. These hospitals assumed parental authority over the children in their care, creating a new legal category. Parents could regain their rights at any time, provided they reimbursed the expenses incurred by the institution for the child. However, in practice, this rarely happened.
The Reasons for Abandonment
Poverty was the main cause of child abandonment. The serious plague epidemic of the fourteenth century and the subsequent famines and epidemics had put the resources of families to the test, pushing them to seek drastic solutions for survival. Furthermore, reasons of honor could lead parents to leave their children in distant places, thus ensuring anonymity and protecting their reputation.
The Signs of Recognition
Upon abandonment, parents often left distinctive marks on the children, such as rosary beads, blessed candle stubs, or pieces of coral. These objects, loaded with symbolic meanings, were intended to protect children from evil influences and facilitate their recognition in the future. Some signs, such as knots in swaddling clothes, served to protect children from witches, according to popular beliefs of the time.
The Wheel of Exhibits
The exposed wheel was a mechanism used for the anonymous reception of abandoned children. It was a revolving wooden cylinder, placed in a wall of the monastery or hospital, which allowed the child to be left without being seen. This instrument symbolized the definitive separation of the parent from the child, while guaranteeing a certain protection to the newborn.
The Evolution of Care Practices
As the centuries passed, Agrigento’s welfare institutions developed new methods for welcoming abandoned children. The ancient “piles” were replaced by more sophisticated structures, equipped with grates to prevent access to stray animals. However, the increase in the number of foundlings often exceeded the capacity of these institutions, leading to overcrowding and management difficulties.
The Fate of Abandoned Children
The fate of abandoned children varied greatly. Some were reintegrated into their families once they had overcome economic difficulties, while others remained under the protection of welfare institutions until they reached adulthood. Girls often had little chance of marriage or entry into convents and ended up being employed in agricultural work or as servants.
The Church and Abandonment
The Church played a fundamental role in assisting abandoned children. Although she tolerated abandonment as an extreme solution to poverty, she did not accept that children died without baptism, fearing that they would become wandering souls without peace. As a result, unbaptized children were often baptized again upon arrival at welfare institutions, guaranteeing them burial in consecrated ground in the event of their death.
Conclusion
The abandonment of children in Agrigento in the Middle Ages reflects a complex and dramatic reality, marked by poverty, honor and popular beliefs. Welfare institutions played a crucial role in providing a safety net for these children, despite many difficulties. The history of these practices offers a precious glimpse into the social and cultural dynamics of the time, contributing to a deeper understanding of the past of Agrigento and Sicily.
