ABSTRACT
In the Middle Ages women crowded to church at Christmas-tide to gaze on the dear little Bambino in his manger, or the Flight into Egypt, and even the highly polished dames of the Renaissance took a strange delight in every sort of spectacle. The antique Roman practice of using mineral baths was never abandoned, and women as well as men flocked to St. Elena, Lucca, Petrioli and other renowned resorts. There were lodging-houses at these places, rooms for dry heat, douches, and separate bathing arrangements for women. Many women, old as well as young, were carried off by mercenary troops. But when Italian troops were employed and big despots who had swallowed up small despots got more power, they ceased to spoil possible future possessions with the full force of fire and rapine. There was little personal liberty for men; far less for women.
