Agnodice

 In ancient Greece, women were forbidden to study medicine for several years until someone broke the law.

Born in the 4th century, Agnodice cut her hair and entered Alexandria medical school dressed as a man. While her popularity among the female patients grew the male doctors became envious and accused Agnodice, whom they thought was male, of seducing female patients.

At her trial, Agnodice, stood before the court and proved that she was a woman by rising her tunic .

She was accused of illegally practice of medicine as a woman but women revolted at the sentence, especially the wives of the judges who had given the death penalty.

Unable to withstand the pressures of their wives and other women, the judges lifted Agnodice's sentence, and from then on, women were allowed to practice medicine in Athens.

 low relief in the Roman Empire representing a birth. From Ostia , now in the welcome collection of Medical objects .