In modern-day media, depictions of ancient Egyptian society are of a
highly sexualised, lustful culture, but how accurate are these
depictions of a people so shrouded in mystery and legend that it is
sometimes hard to tell truth from fiction? In this fascinating and
intimate insight into ancient Egyptian sex and sexuality, Charlotte
Booth demystifies an ancient way of life, drawing on archaeological
evidence and the written record to build a picture of what really went
on in the bedrooms of the pharaohs and their subjects. Sex was a
prominent part of ancient Egyptian society. It featured heavily in
religion, mythology and artwork, and was not considered the taboo it is
sometimes treated as in modern cultures. This book examines all aspects
of ancient Egyptian sex lives, from idealised beauty and attitudes
towards sexuality, to representations of fertility in art and the
relationship between sex and religion. Many of the trials and
tribulations that were faced are as relevant today as they were in the
past: marriage, divorce and adultery are all discussed, as well as
prostitution, homosexuality, sexual health and fertility. Whilst many of
the remedies seem bizarre to the modern mind, some of the attitudes are
surprisingly liberal, and all make for fascinating reading. From
Akhenaten and his famously beautiful queen, Nefertiti, to the seductive
Cleopatra's affairs with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, Booth provides a
tantilising glimpse into this extremely personal aspect of ancient
Egyptian life.
