"Attitudes to male homosexuality have varied from requiring males to engage in same-sex relationships to casual integration, through acceptance, to seeing the practice as a minor sin, repressing it through law enforcement and judicial mechanisms, and to proscribing it under penalty of death."
Refers to sexual or romantic relationships between individuals of the same gender, which existed in various forms and degrees in ancient societies such as Greece, Rome, Egypt, China, and Japan.
Homosexuality in Ancient Greece: Homosexuality was widely accepted in Ancient Greece and was even encouraged as a means of building close relationships between men.
Homosexuality in Ancient Rome: Homosexuality was also common in Ancient Rome but was frowned upon by some, particularly in the context of male prostitution.
Gender and Sexuality in Ancient Egypt: Ancient Egyptians had a complex understanding of gender and sexuality, including the notion that everyone had both male and female components.
Gender and Sexuality in Ancient Mesopotamia: Ancient Mesopotamians had a more fluid understanding of gender and sexuality, with the idea that people could change their gender at will.
The Role of Women in Ancient Same-Sex Relationships: Women were not excluded from same-sex relationships in the ancient world, and there is evidence of friendships, romantic relationships, and sexual activity between women.
The Role of Men in Ancient Same-Sex Relationships: Same-sex relationships between men were more common in the ancient world, particularly among the elite.
Religious Attitudes towards Same-Sex Relationships in the Ancient World: Various religious traditions had different attitudes towards same-sex relationships, ranging from acceptance and celebration to condemnation and prohibition.
Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Unions in the Ancient World: While same-sex marriage and civil unions may seem like modern concepts, they were actually practiced in some ancient societies, particularly in parts of Asia.
The History of LGBTQ+ Terminology: The language used to describe LGBTQ+ identities and experiences has evolved over time, and understanding this history can provide valuable insight into the development of these identities.
Artistic Representations of Same-Sex Relationships in the Ancient World: Art from the ancient world provides a rich source of information about same-sex relationships, including depictions of couples engaged in various forms of intimacy.
Pederasty: This term means "love of boys" and referred to a sexual and emotional relationship between an older man and a teenage boy. It was a common practice in ancient Greece, and it was seen as a way for the older man to educate and mentor the younger boy.
Erastes and Eromenos: This term means "lover" and "beloved", respectively. It referred to a relationship between two men of equal social status, where the older partner (erastes) would act as a mentor and guide for the younger partner (eromenos).
Homosexual relationship: This term refers to same-sex sexual relationships between two consenting adults, and it was also present in ancient Greece.
Pueri delicati: This term referred to a sexual and emotional relationship between an adult man and a young male slave. It was a common practice among the Roman upper classes, and it was seen as a way for the master to display his wealth and power.
Companionship: This term refers to a loving relationship between two adult men. It was not necessarily sexual, but it was a strong emotional bond that was highly valued in ancient Rome.
"Mandarin ducks": This term referred to a loving and sexual relationship between two men of equal social status. It was highly prized in ancient China and was seen as a sign of noble character and good taste.
Master-servant: This term referred to a sexual relationship between an aristocrat and his male servant. It was not widely accepted in Chinese society, but it was present in some cases.
"Attitudes to male homosexuality have varied..."
"...or only to passive (penetrated) participants, as was common in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome."
"Female homosexuality has historically been given less acknowledgment, explicit acceptance, and opposition."
"The widespread concept of homosexuality as a sexual orientation and sexual identity is a relatively recent development, with the word itself being coined in the 19th century."
"Many male historical figures...have had terms such as gay or bisexual applied to them..."
"some scholars, such as Michel Foucault, have regarded this as risking the anachronistic introduction of a contemporary social construct of sexuality foreign to their times, though others challenge this."
"A common thread of constructionist argument is that no one in antiquity or the Middle Ages experienced homosexuality as an exclusive, permanent, or defining mode of sexuality."
"John Boswell has countered this argument by citing ancient Greek writings by Plato, which describe individuals exhibiting exclusive homosexuality."
"Many male historical figures, including Socrates, Lord Byron, Edward II, and Hadrian, have had terms such as gay or bisexual applied to them..."
"...has been common in Abrahamic religions."
"...repressing it through law enforcement and judicial mechanisms..."
"...whether any negative attitudes towards men who have sex with men have extended to all participants..."
"...only to passive (penetrated) participants, as was common in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome."
"...seeing the practice as a minor sin..."
"Attitudes to male homosexuality have varied from requiring males to engage in same-sex relationships..."
"Female homosexuality has historically been given less acknowledgment..."
"Female homosexuality has historically been given less...explicit acceptance..."
"Female homosexuality has historically been given less...opposition."
"A common thread of constructionist argument is that no one in antiquity or the Middle Ages experienced homosexuality as an exclusive, permanent, or defining mode of sexuality."