Sex in the Middle Ages

by Jennifer McNabb

Sex. The word makes some people giggle or blush, while others may draw back in discomfort. Whatever the reaction, whether positive or negative or a confusing mix of both, it’s rarely neutral. But sexual intercourse is a basic biological fact of life—and none of us would be here without it.

So, why do we find it so difficult to talk openly about sex? Where do the many rules and taboos surrounding sex and sexuality come from? How is it that a basic biological act can be so fraught with cultural, social, and moral complications?

In truth, much of our reticence in discussing and acknowledging the realities of sex comes, at least in part, from a unique time and place: medieval Europe. In the 12 episodes of Sex in the Middle Ages, Professor Jennifer McNabb and a panel of experts in medieval history and literature will take you back to the period between the fall of Rome and the rise of the Renaissance to explore the ideals and realities of sex and sexuality. As you’ll learn, the rise of Christianity as not just a religion but a powerful political institution irrevocably influenced both the practical and moral dimensions of sex for centuries. And you may be surprised to see how much medieval views of sex continue to influence us today.

From the crowned heads of Europe to the lowliest serf, sex and its consequences affected everyone. After all, for people in the Middle Ages, sex could determine the fate of a kingdom and the state of your immortal soul. With so much on the line, is there any doubt that sex occupied the medieval mind and became a focal point of politics, literature, art, and so much more? This deep-seated preoccupation means that looking at the past through sex and sexuality opens doors into so many other dimensions of medieval life and offers a fresh new perspective on history beyond the big events and famous names we are familiar with.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Sexuality

Audible Audio

First published January 5, 2024

Reviews

[Abdul Alhazred · Rating 2 out of 5]

About half the content here should be familiar mythbusting to anyone interested in the era already. The best parts covered bawdy tall tales of the period, which are also some of the best attested material here. It was missing a consistent view on historical criticism however, mentioning the lack of written sources covering anyone but the upper crust and literate clergy, but then we're drawing big certainties about the classic account from an arab observer about viking culture with no proviso about misrepresentation, intentional or otherwise - something that *is* drawn for European accounts. We learn that Marco Polo is describing the court of the Khan's sexual habits in an "enthusiastic" way, when sensationalist coverage of a "barbarian" culture is a much more common interpretation. Things really go off the rails when we're told we shouldn't think we've made progress on issues of sexual violence, or think that the middle ages were repressive. This is after, for instance, just describing passages like the ritual gang rape and killing of women to join the honored dead in viking culture. Make it make sense.
Aside from the half baked political commentary and inconsistency about source criticism it was entertaining enough.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of fascinating info in here, ranging widely through folklore and superstition, literature, and evidence from historical sources. As has been the case with others, however, I found what seemed to be the random insertion of bits by (presumably) other experts on the subject to be very jarring, which I might not have if it had been clearly indicated somewhere in the course description. And as one reviewer said on Audible, unfortunately for her, one of these people sounded exactly like a stereotypical Valley Girl, which made it hard to concentrate on what she was saying.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not about menopause HAR HAR. Informative combination of history, religion, women studies, humor, literature, and smut. This is the first Great Courses series that I have seen that uses a panel of experts rather than sticking with one lecturer.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was hilarious!

[Simara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was more like a series of stories that did not follow a specific timeline. Found it a bit scattered. Interesting enough but I was expecting more. Narration is ok.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoopla was missing the last lecture! Wah!

[Blythe Kasai]

Class requirement