Human-animal sex in ancient Greece

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Abstract

In this chapter, I explore examples of human-animal sex in different ancient sources, aiming to ascertain if any of these literary accounts convey the cultural and social views on sex between human and animals. I start by approaching the mythological traditions of three female figures – Leda, Europa and Pasiphae – explaining the differences between these myths and breaking down the information they provide regarding human-animal sex in ancient Greece. I then explore references and allusions to human-animal sex in the works of several ancient authors, including Herodotus, Theocritus, Plutarch and Artemidorus Daldianus, analysing their context and ascertaining if the information they provide conveys the social perception of this sexual act.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSex and the Ancient City
Subtitle of host publicationSex and Sexual Practices in Greco-Roman Antiquity
EditorsAndreas Serafim, George Kazantzidis, Kyriakos Demetriou
PublisherDe Gruyter
Pages307-322
Volume126
ISBN (Electronic)9783110695793
ISBN (Print)9783110695779
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2022

Publication series

NameTrends in Classics - Supplementary Volumes
PublisherDe Gruyter

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