Sex has been a part of human history for as long as humans have existed, yet many misconceptions and outright lies about historical sexual practices have persisted over time. Even the most well-read history buffs may have fallen for some of these myths. Here are 10 historical lies about sex that have been debunked but still manage to stick around.
1. The Victorians Were Completely Prudish
Reality: While the Victorian era is often portrayed as a time of sexual repression, it wasn’t as prudish as many think. Sure, public discussions about sex were taboo, but behind closed doors, Victorians were just as interested in sex as anyone else. They had brothels, erotica, and even early forms of pornography. Many upper-class Victorians also engaged in extramarital affairs, and medical treatments related to sexual issues were surprisingly common.
2. Chastity Belts Were Actually Used in the Middle Ages
Reality: The idea of chastity belts—metal devices meant to prevent women from engaging in sexual activity—being widely used in medieval times is a myth. There is little to no historical evidence to suggest that chastity belts were a real, commonly used item. Most examples that exist are from later centuries, likely created as a joke or as fetish items during the Renaissance or Victorian eras.
3. The Kama Sutra Is Just a Sex Guide
Reality: When most people think of the Kama Sutra, they imagine a book filled with exotic sex positions, but that’s only part of the story. In reality, only about 20% of the Kama Sutra is dedicated to sex. The rest of the ancient Indian text focuses on living a balanced life, including how to be a good citizen, maintain relationships, and find happiness. It’s more a guide to living well than just a manual on bedroom acrobatics.
4. People in Ancient Greece Only Had Heterosexual Relationships
Reality: Ancient Greece is often remembered for its focus on heterosexuality, but in fact, same-sex relationships, particularly between men, were common and socially accepted in certain contexts. These relationships, especially those between older men and younger boys (known as pederasty), were considered part of a young man’s education. The Greeks had a more fluid understanding of sexuality than modern society often acknowledges.
5. Cleopatra Slept With Everyone to Maintain Power
Reality: Cleopatra is often remembered as a seductive figure who used sex to manipulate powerful men like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. While Cleopatra did have relationships with these men, her intelligence, political savvy, and charisma were just as crucial to her rule. She was an accomplished leader who spoke multiple languages and had a deep understanding of politics and culture.
6. The 'Right of the First Night' Existed
Reality: The jus primae noctis or "right of the first night," which supposedly allowed lords to have sex with a peasant bride on her wedding night, is a historical lie. There is no solid evidence that this practice ever existed in medieval Europe. This idea likely came from misunderstandings or propaganda and has been perpetuated in books and movies despite its lack of historical basis.
7. All Ancient Romans Were Sex-Crazed Party Animals
Reality: While ancient Rome is often depicted as a place of orgies and decadence, the reality was more complex. Yes, there were festivals like Saturnalia where sexual liberation was more accepted, but these events were exceptions, not the norm. Most Romans had fairly traditional relationships, and many of the wilder stories come from exaggerated accounts or biased historians.
8. People in the Middle Ages Didn’t Bathe, and Their Sex Lives Were Filthy
Reality: Contrary to the popular myth, people in the Middle Ages did bathe. Public bathhouses were common, and personal hygiene, while not up to modern standards, was a priority for many people. Bathing was often a communal and even social activity. The idea that medieval people were filthy and uninterested in cleanliness—especially when it came to sex—comes from misunderstandings of historical sources.
9. Masturbation Was Once Thought to Cause Insanity
Reality: Throughout history, masturbation has been demonized and even falsely blamed for causing insanity, blindness, and other physical and mental illnesses. This idea was particularly prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries, thanks to misleading medical texts. Though we now know these beliefs are scientifically false, the stigma surrounding masturbation has lingered for much longer than it should have.
10. Marie Antoinette’s Infamous Orgy
Reality: Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, was the subject of many rumors, including accusations of hosting extravagant orgies at the Palace of Versailles. These stories were part of a smear campaign by her enemies to tarnish her reputation during the French Revolution. While she was certainly extravagant in her spending, there’s no historical evidence to suggest that she was involved in anything as scandalous as these rumors imply.
Conclusion
Even the most seasoned history buffs are sometimes guilty of believing these myths about sex from the past. While some of these lies have endured for centuries, it’s important to separate fact from fiction and recognize that people in history were more complex than we often give them credit for. Many of these stories have persisted because they are sensational or convenient, but the truth about historical sex practices is often far more interesting than the myths themselves.
