kaik
Roman society was very conservative. Even on the matter of sex subject.
Hey Kaik, what books can I read that has this information?
How dishonest was the Apostle Paul?
by opusdei1972 63 Replies latest watchtower bible
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John Aquila
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kaik
Roman society was not ascetic as was the case of Middle Ages, or denial of sexuality as was the case in Victorian era, which witnessed destruction of thousands of arts from Antiquity, Renaissance, and Baroque era deemed to be immoral. According to Joyce E. Salisbury, whose "The Blood of Martyrs: Unintended Consequences of Ancient Violence" mentions that Roman society was deeply conservative, where the family was the backbone of the civilization. Women were subject of their husband or fathers, and they did not have sexual freedom we see it through 21st century eyes.
There are dozens books on Roman family, sex, and scandals from Imperial Rome. Wayne R. Dynes in 1992 characterized Republican Rome as a conservative, authoritarian, and restrictive attitude toward sex, women considered as inferior, and a deep fear of homosexuality. Roman society was militaristic, dominated by mighty army which prohibited sex that would undermine power structure and command line, unlike Hellenistic world, where sexual attitudes were more open.
Generally, in the term of sex, people see Roman society through medieval and early Christian ascetic views, and get their judgment impaired by movies like Caligula. In fact, many people find sexually restrictive, conservative, behavior in Rome shocking.
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Vidiot
@ kaik...
Interesting. Know what it reminds me of? The divide between left-wingers and right-wingers in the US.
Greece and Rome were democratic(ish)... but...
Greeks were relatively liberal and free-thinking, Romans were conservative/authoritarian, but they both (ostensibly) worshipped the same gods (whilst the latter was apparently hostile towards the former).
Left-wingers are liberal and free-thinking, Right-wingers are conservative/authoritarian, but they both (ostensibly) have allegiance to the same country (whilst the latter is very hostile towards the former).
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kaik
Greek and Roman societies were two diametrically different society. It has a lot to do with geography, historical development, and ethnicity. Greek world was extremely fragmented due nature and geography. Greeks did not have problem to enslave each other and wage a war with each other all the time. They lacked unifying force, even Alexander of Macedonia did not unify all Greek-states.
Rome was built with extensive military force. In its peak it was as big as Napoleon Grande Armée 1800 years later as a permanent fighting force. Army was the center of the Roman hierarchy. It disposed the rulers, sold the imperial seat to the highest bidder, secured peace, access to public services, and social rise. It provided also stable monetary benefit for the members and after years of service, some place to live. Romans also held its power by force, but also carrot policy to its provinces. It was policy to "rewarding the friends and punishing enemies". Many people looked upon Rome for security, peace, stability, and prosperity. Not all provinces were conquered by force, some of them were deeded, and other chose Rome over barbarians like Noricum.
Both Greeks and Romans were extremely pious and religious. Faith had importance in every day life, and family was detrimental for survival. The idea that Romans spent every evening on orgies and brothels, is much of the Christian invention. While there is not denial that this happened, they were not defining moments of daily Greeko-Roman citizens.