Book dossier

Sittengeschichte Griechenlands

by Hans Licht

Imagine a wedding beginning with the bride and groom clothed as transvestites, and culminating with the groom carrying off his bride for a “seeming rape” as family and friends mock-object. Once married, society mandates that he not only visit hetaerae (mistresses) but more importantly that he enter into a sacred relationship with a young male who had reached puberty; meanwhile, the woman, who did not have as much sexual freedom, would rely on gossiping with her friends to learn ways to satisfy her own sexual needs.In Sexual Life in Ancient Greece, Licht delves into Greek literature and the arts to uncover the striking differences between our contemporary culture and the Ancient World. He explains that because the Greeks envisioned highly erotic gods sexuality was not considered shameful, as it is by today’s moral codes, which are based in Christianity. A comprehensive work, Sexual Life in Ancient Greece covers issues including castration, excrement, obscenities, and traditions surrounding childbirth.