Orphanages Origins At A Glance

Orphanages have an extremely long history. In early history, an orphan was often placed in the care of a relative or became a servant or an apprentice. Ancient Athenians recognized the importance of providing support to orphans who lost their parents due to war and supplied these children with care until they became adults.

When Christianity was widely adopted in 4th Century, Christians began to establish orphantrophia, in which orphans were provided care. These institutions were the beginning of modern orphanages.

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