Hello, I know the subject is a bit weird, but I really like sexology/history of sex and ancient history, so I'm looking for a mix of both. I know that what we call BDSM, kink or fetishes nowadays are modern terms that didn't exist in ancient time, but that doesn't mean unusual or "deviant" sexual acts haven't been a thing since forever. I'm interested in a book that talks about such events in ancient or even medieval times. Thanks!
by carol_brrrrrrrru
3 Comments
sounds like you need a book about Caligula
History Laid Bare, I forget the author. It’s a bit dated but an interesting overview.
Sex with Kings, Sex with the Queen, and Sex with the President by Eleanor Herman. Gossipy and a bit exaggerated for a good story but still a dang good read.
I’m making a bit of a rude leap, but I’m pulling the lesbian card as cover!
You might be interested in “Love Between Women: Early Christian Responses to Female Homoeroticism” by Bernadette J. Brooten. It’s not about contemporary women’s experiences. It’s more about how classical Mediterranean cultures attempted to answer the fundamental questions that plagues all patriarchies: “how no penis???? why no penis? penis in danger??”
(Having said that, the creativity some ancient writers bring to the table arguably causes some overlap with kink/fetish writing)
It explores what late classical communities considered “normal” vs. “abnormal” sexuality in different contexts, and how they conceived of sex in terms of innate feelings and behavioral choices. It’s interesting to try to deliberately shift your perception of stuff you normally take for granted, and try to ask who/what contributed to a given POV. Also it kind of makes modern ignorance and bigotry funnier at times, some of the ideas and mentalities will be hilariously familiar.
(warning for a chapter that discusses ancient cliterectomies that managed to fucked me up, feel free to skip that bit)