Archaeologists in the northern region of León (Spain) have unearthed a ceramic lamp dating from the early 1st century that represents of a gynaecological exam with a vaginal speculum performed on a sick woman.

The find is of an oil lamp, “an exceptional piece that illustrates the presence of doctors in the city,” - specifically, a military hospital, an expert said.

Ángel Morillo, professor of archaeology at Madrid’s Universidad Complutense presented the results of the investigation that has lasted six years during a conference entitled “From the Legions to the Barbarians: New perspectives on Roman Archaeology.”

The piece is currently “in the hands of private individuals” but will be sent to the León Provincial Museum.

Article from a news site for southern Spain - in English.