A Brief History of Sex in Western Civilization The Ancient Greeks 4th & 5th century B.C. 4th & 5th century B.C. Periclean Athens: the cradle of Periclean Athens: the cradle of Western Civilization

Ancient Greece A male dominated society A male dominated society Men were regarded as naturally bisexual Men were regarded as naturally bisexual Two primary sexual distinctions: Two primary sexual distinctions: 1) active vs. passive roles 2) orgiastic vs. self-controlled self-controlled Alexander the Great

The Ancient Greeks (continued) Idealized pederasty Taboos: 1) oral and anal sex considered vulgar 2) boy was expected to gain no sexual pleasure 3) no money exchanged 4) adult must be worthy suitor Plato Aristotle Socrates

The Ancient Greeks (Continued) Marriage: primarily for the transfer of property, a business Marriage: primarily for the transfer of property, a businessarrangement

Penis Statuary at Delos Were the Ancient Greeks “sex-crazed phallocrats?”

Penis Statuary at Delos

The Ancient Romans Same basic rules as in Greece Pederasty is no longer idealized

Ancient Romans While some were controlled, others were orgiastic

Ancient Rome Bisexuality was considered normal

Ancient Rome The sexual exploitation of male and female slaves was very common

City Wall of Pompeii Temple of Isis Villa de Mysterie frieze of Dionysian ritual

Public Bath Interior of Brothel