Sex the Revolution

The History of Sex

Through the years sex has remained as one of the most important subjects in human history. Its discourse has been, for the longest time, a very colourful one. From being considered a taboo topic until its most recent discourse, one thing is for sure: everyone is talking about SEX.

Sex in Ancient Civilization

In Ancient Mesopotamia, there existed a patriarchal kind of society wherein women were subservient to men. In this regard, men were not expected to become faithful to their wives but if women commit adultery it becomes a moral issue. It was said that not all sex outside of marriage was forbidden, especially in the case of the king. It was the king's duty to have sexual intercourse with temple priestesses in the premise of ensuring a fruitful year for the kingdom and also done in the belief of the healing nature of sex. However, it could be said that all Mesopotamians longed for passion, pleasure and romance and so seduction was the name of the game. The Egyptians, much like Mesopotamians, believed that sexuality and spirituality went hand-in-hand. This belief was very much evident in their myths like the origin of the universe and in death. In their myth, the universe was created through the god Atun's masturbation. Even intercourse with the dead, symbolically was seen as important in the cycle of life. Egyptians enjoyed sex both for procreation and pleasure. But it could be said that Egyptians put high regard in keeping their bloodline alive. The Greeks accepted sex as a natural and vital part of life. The ancient Greek gods were depicted as carnal beings. Romantic love for them was not the norm instead marriage was more for economic purposes. In this period, there was no stigma for homosexuality. It could be said that the Greeks were one of the first people who talked about sex openly. It is during the Roman Empire that moral laws were set to curtail the sexual excesses of the people. Roman women, of course, were expected to be faithful to their husbands but most of them especially those belonging in the upper class also engaged in other sexual trysts.

The Eastern World

Unlike the Westerns, Eastern people had a more accepting view on sex. They saw sex as natural and important aspect in achieving spiritual enlightenment. Balance was important to them. The concept of Yin and Yang comes into the picture. What's excess of one is united with the one lacking something. The ancient teachings of Confucianism saw sex as essential for the continuation of the family bloodline. Taoism, in one hand believed in the role of sex as increasing longevity for men. It is through this belief that sex manuals were created. Buddhism saw the role of sex as a path for spiritual enlightenment. Chinese practices on sex might have also paved the way for the establishment of the Red Light District. The Japanese had essentially the same beliefs as the Chinese regarding sex. They did not have any concept of original sin. Women were free to engage other lovers. Prostitution in this period was licensed and regulated. It also saw the rise of the geishas, who are the highest class of 'prostitutes'. In India, sexuality and religion have been inseparable. Sexual love was seen as metaphors in Indian literature and arts. The prevalent view was that of cosmic unity between males and females as was made obvious in the Kama Sutra. The Arabs, on one hand, embraced polygamy provided that the men treated all their wives equally. Islamic teachings say that sex was pleasurable and good--in marriage and in concubinage. The Arabs also introduced the concept of harem.

The Middle Ages

Medieval sexuality was greatly influenced by the Christian Church. The subject of sex became quite a taboo for its view was strongly dictated by the Church's morals. The notion of courtly love was born in this era. Adultery was seen as a dangerous thing for it posed serious consequences for those who engaged in this act. Homosexuality was also greatly condemned during this period. Sexual matters were strongly regulated by the Church and one of the forces that created bureaucracies. It could be said that the Middle Ages was a period of extremes: that of repressive era and on the other, free love. Sex should be confined within matrimony and only for the purpose of procreation provided that during the intercourse,