Video - Unveiling Ancient Women: Sexuality and Stereotypes

Ancient women experienced a complex and often contradictory relationship with sexuality. In ancient Greece, for instance, women were often viewed through a male-centric lens, leading to stereotypes like the "donkey-women," who were deemed promiscuous. However, poets like Sappho revealed a more nuanced understanding of female desire, incorporating erotic symbolism in their works. Etruscan society, in contrast, allowed women greater sexual freedom, with evidence suggesting they engaged in relationships outside marriage without stigma. Additionally, the perception of prostitution was multifaceted, with some sex workers gaining social and economic power, challenging the typical narratives surrounding women's roles in ancient cultures.