History Of Sex And Love

Traditions and Customs

At a remote sight in Northern India, temples dating back to 1000 AD challenge current values. They feature erotic sculptures, showing women undressing and sexual acts. The temple is the location for a “wedding of the Gods” held annually on the dark night before the full moon. This tradition has continued, despite such customs being contrary to current sexual attitudes in a nation where kissing publicly is illegal.

Currently accepted values are also overtly contrasted to past United States legislation, which was not altered until 1889. The age of consent in most states was as young as ten, with Delaware stipulating a mere age seven. Some laws still in force today show an unusual attempt to control sex lives, with Washington DC prohibiting sex in any position other than missionary.

In the past, the Roman State also had an interest in the sex lives of the people. Men were encouraged to marry Italian women. Perceived as a duty, this lost its appeal, causing the blonde slave girls to appear more attractive. Many women aspired to this common perception of sexiness by dying their hair. This is one ideal that has been somewhat perpetuated to this day.

In Pompeii, a sculpture adorning a tomb depicts an erect penis. Representative of good luck and fertility, such a sight was common in Roman cities. Italy is also the birthplace of a significant trend in the history of love. The literary movement of romance originated from the language of the Romans, and tales of love replaced heroic battles during the supremacy of Elena.

Domination by the Romans was preceded by the decline of the Greek Empire. In Ancient Greece, love and sex were completely separate. Greek men kept their wives in the respectability of home, while seeking fulfilment of their sexual needs through slaves and courtesans.

Love was more closely linked to sex in a sacred band of homosexual thieves, who fought alongside their lovers. They were defeated in 338 BC by Alexander the Great and his father, Philip of Macedon. Philip wept over their dead bodies, having been overcome by the bravery they displayed, willingly rushing towards danger in an attempt to protect their lovers. A monument was constructed in honour of their courage, representing the love between the men. These men were recognised for their masculinity, unlike the perceived stereotype of gay men today.