Join Professor Ruth Karras, an expert on medieval sexuality and author of 'Sexuality in Medieval Europe: Doing Unto Others,' as she unpacks the fascinating myths and realities of sex in the Middle Ages. Discover why people believed women were more sexual than men, the surprising aphrodisiacs of the time, and the misunderstandings surrounding STIs. Karras also explores the complex relationship between laundry work and lust, highlighting how independent women navigated societal norms in a male-dominated world.
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Rykener Discovery
Ruth Karras's research on John/Eleanor Rykener started with a tip from a colleague.
This colleague, Sheila Lindenbaum, was studying London court records and found Rykener's case.
insights INSIGHT
Medieval Sex
Medieval views on sex were complex and often contradictory, influenced by the Church but not always followed.
Sex outside marriage was officially condemned, but sex within marriage for procreation was considered good.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Heretic
A medieval monk tells a story of a man seducing a woman.
When she refuses, citing sin, he denounces her as a heretic for being anti-sex.
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Ruth Karras's "Sexuality in Medieval Europe: Doing Unto Others" delves into the complexities of sexual attitudes and practices during the Middle Ages. The book challenges conventional narratives, exploring diverse perspectives and experiences across different social classes and regions. Karras examines the influence of religious doctrines, legal frameworks, and social norms on sexual behavior. She sheds light on the lives of sex workers, the understanding of STIs, and the evolving perceptions of gender roles. The book offers a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of medieval sexuality, moving beyond simplistic interpretations.
From medieval d*ck pics to sex with monks, how did people in medieval times think about sex and sexuality?
It was a period that spanned roughly 1,000 years and even though views on sex were largely shaped by the dominant Christian faith, whether this filtered down to every day experiences is another question.
Why did people in the middle ages think that women were more highly sexed than men? What did they believe were aphrodisiacs at this time? And what did they think caused STIs?
This episode was edited by Matt Peaty and Stuart Beckwith. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3 Media.
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