The Complex Evolution of Virginity

Dr. Julia Kelto Lillis asks, "To whom does a woman’s virginity belong?" Join her and your hosts as we dive into the world of early Christian purity culture, what wine has to do with the V-Card, and why the gods like to make babies with virgins.

Like today, the concept of virginity was culturally significant in the ancient world. But unlike today, virginity as an act of devotion to God could propel a woman to the top of the social ladder.  This episode we explore shifting ideas about what makes someone a virgin and the importance of virginity to the early Christian movement.  

Access transcript and episode show notes: https://www.womenwhowentbefore.com/episodes/virginity-and-the-hype-about-hymens

Women Who Went Before is written, produced, and edited by Emily Chesley and Rebekah Haigh.

Podcast theme music is composed and produced by Moses Sun.

This podcast is sponsored by the Center for Culture, Society, and Religion, the Program in Judaic Studies, the Stanley J. Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies, and the Committtee for the Study of Late Antiquity at Princeton University.

Views expressed on the podcast are solely those of the individuals, and do not represent Princeton University.