Historian Noel Malcolm uncovers a complex history of same-sex relationships in early modern Europe and the Ottoman world. He explores societal attitudes towards male-male sexual encounters, the evolution of same-sex relationships across European history, and the influence of Italian writings and English literature. Podcast discusses the transition from church to secular laws on sodomy, highlighting the nuances and complexities of historical sexual behaviors.
Same-sex relationships had diverse manifestations and societal attitudes in early modern Europe and the Ottoman world.
The history of homosexuality is complex, challenging simplistic narratives and advocating for nuanced understandings.
Deep dives
Uncovering Same-Sex Relationships in History
Delving into historical archives reveals the complexity of same-sex relationships between men in early modern Europe and the Ottoman world. Documents from Venetian archives shed light on a gay sexual scandal within an embassy, prompting investigations and showcasing varied societal attitudes towards such relationships. Contrasting the standard historical narrative that same-sex relationships emerged as a fully formed identity in the 18th century, the research challenges this by examining evidence from places like Italy and the Ottoman Empire.
Changing Patterns of Same-Sex Behavior in Northern Europe
Around 1700, a significant shift in evidence emerges in Northern Europe, with detailed accounts of men engaging in same-sex relationships, deviating from the Mediterranean pattern. Unlike the age-differentiated relationships predominant in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe showcases diverse behaviors, including men having sex with other men of the same age. This period witnesses elements of deliberate effeminate behaviors and socializing, reflecting a departure from traditional patterns and a closer resemblance to modern homosexuality.
Religious and Legal Perspectives on Sodomy
Throughout history, organized religions have condemned sodomy, viewing it as a crime and a mortal sin. The influence of religious institutions and changes in secular laws shaped societal attitudes towards sodomy. Legal records, tribunals, and cultural representations provided insights into the prevalence and acceptance levels of same-sex relationships, highlighting the complex interplay between moral, legal, and societal norms.
Notions of Sexuality and Continuity
Exploring the history of sexual behavior reveals its complexity and the diversity of human experiences. The research challenges simplistic narratives of a single transformative moment in the emergence of modern homosexuality, advocating for a nuanced, case-by-case understanding. By uncovering varied historical perspectives and behaviors, the study encourages a more comprehensive examination of the multifaceted nature of human sexuality throughout different time periods and cultural contexts.
Until recently, the history of sex between men was a taboo topic. But by delving into the historical archive, historian Sir Noel Malcolm has uncovered a more complex story of same-sex relationships and encounters in early modern Europe and the Ottoman world. He speaks to Rebecca Franks about his findings.