History of Birth Documents

Some birth documentaries show different methods of keeping track of families through the generations. In ancient times births weren't registered and determining genealogy was done by word of mouth from generation to generation. Official and mandatory registration of births didn't happen until the 19th century making it a relatively new process in the history of the world.

Even though birth documentation didn't become mandatory until within the last 200 years, it was still a procedure that was commonly practiced throughout the world. The documentation process was just not in the same style it currently is. There are historical records that suggest documentation of birth was common in early Persia, Greece, China, Egypt and Rome. Not everyone's birth was documented, as can be seen from historical records, and often it was something only the wealthy or important members of the society did for their families.

Tags: methods mandatory documentation procedure