PSY 331 Human Sexuality

SEXUALITY IN
THE ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN
Introduction
Sexuality transmitted infections,
menstruation, circumcision, and birth control
Ancient Civilization placed more value on
having many children especially son
Abortion was forbidden
Prostitution was considered a religious act
Homosexuality is socially accepted
(Oduor, 2011)


Content
Hebrew (1000 B.C. 200 B.C.)

Greek (1000 B.C. 200 B.C.)

Roman (500 B.C. 200 A.D.)

Hebrew (1000 B.C. 200 B.C.)

Husband & Wife
Torah Holy Book First Commandment
Meaning of Marriage
Procreation = Fulfil Gods word
Man considered dominant and masters.
Forbids adultry, homosexuality and sex with
blood relations
Only pure women could give birth to healthy
children


Greek (1000 B.C. 200 B.C.)

Sexual Attraction = Important theme





Eros = Sexual desire

Philia = Friendship

(Westheimer, 2004)
Greek Cont.


Pederasty love of boys
- Eros + Philia
e.g. Plato and Socrates

Homosexual Acceptable
- Purer or higher form of human attachment
- Same sex marriage

Women - property
- treated as concubine
(Westheimer, 2004)



Roman (500 B.C. 200 A.D.)


Romans had few restrictions about sexuality

Attitudes towards homosexuality and bisexuality was legal

Marriage and sexual relations were viewed as means to improve
ones economic and social status

Sex was regarded as a basic necessity such as food and sleep

Sexual act may had been committed in public or within the view
of servants.

Slave sex was not considered to be infidelity in Roman Law
References
Carrrol, J.L. (2010). Sexuality now: Embracing
diversity. Wadsorth Cengage Learning,
California
Farzaneh,A. (2009). Philosophy with an absurd
twist: reflections on existential issues in the
ancient & modern world. Retrieved from:
http://arashworld.blogspot.com/2009/02/se
ual-customs-in-ancient-rome-and.html?m=1
Westheimer, R.K. & Lopater, S. (2004). Human
sexuality: a philosophical perspective.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins