The Terrible Fate of Intersex Children in Ancient Rome: Pliny, Nat. Hist. 7.3.34

Name: Pliny the Elder Date: 23 – 79 CE Region:  Como [modern Italy]; Rome [modern Italy] Citation:  Natural History, 7.3.34

We call those born with characteristics of both sexes "intersex," [formerly called "androgynes"]. They were once considered bad omens, but now are used for entertainment.

Giguntur et utriusque sexu quos hermaphroditos vocamus, olim androgynos vocatos et in prodigiis habitos, nunc vero in deliciis*.

* the phrase 'in deliciis' is often used to denote exploitation or enslavement

Pliny the Elder [Gaius Plinius Secundus; 23 – 79 CE, modern Italy] was an Italian-born Roman statesman and author who lived during the reigns of the early Roman emperors. He spent most of his life in service of his country; he ultimately gave his life in arranging the evacuation of the regions devastated by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE. His work, the Natural History, is a 37-volume collection of art, history, and science of the ancient world.