Soranus of Ephesus (circa AD 98-138) and perinatal care in Roman times.

Soranus was undoubtedly one of the most learned doctors of classical times. He was born in Ephesus on the coast of Asia Minor towards the end of the first century AD, the son of Menandrus and his wife Phoebe. Little is known of his life other than that he trained in the famous medical school of Alexandria and practised in Rome during the rules of Trajan and Hadrian. At that time most physicians were from Greece and Soranus quickly became established in practice. He belonged to the Methodist school of Asclepiades, which relied on the Hippocratic doctrine. Like Hippocrates he emphasised the importance of collecting facts, of accurate observation, of the healing virtues inherent in nature, and of considering what was in the best interests of the patient.