Medieval Attitudes Towards Sex
The discovery of a “Grope Lane” reveals the dark world of sex workers in Medieval Europe.
The Middle Ages, often portrayed as a time of strict religious conservatism, actually harbored a society with remarkably open and diverse attitudes towards sex. In reality, the medieval period was marked by a surprisingly varied and open approach to sexuality.
Contrary to the popular stereotype, many medieval societies practiced a complex and liberal attitude toward sexual issues. This was a time when the boundaries of sexual morality were actively debated, often in public forums, and reflected in the life of medieval streets and marketplaces.
Understanding medieval attitudes allows us to remove the prejudices of the present age and see the Middle Ages with its diverse ideas and practices regarding sex.
By revisiting the past, we can uncover a human side of medieval life often overshadowed by its historical and religious subjects. We further analyze the rules that governed medieval sex, and how people lived, loved, and challenged the norms of their time.
The Complex Relationship with the Church
In the medieval ages, the Church was one of the most influential institutions that defined people’s…
