Sex in Constantinople in the Sixth Century CE

Tougher, Shaun ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5261-4715 2024. Sex in Constantinople in the Sixth Century CE. Wiesner-Hanks, Merry E. and Kuefler, Mathew, eds. The Cambridge World History of Sexualities, vol. 3, Sites of Knowledge and Practice, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 47-66. (10.1017/9781108896030.004)

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Abstract

This chapter addresses the subject of sex in Constantinople in the sixth century CE, the heart of the Eastern Roman Empire. It draws on a range of rich evidence. A fundamental starting point is provided by the writings of the contemporary historian Procopius, in particular his comments in Secret History on the life and deeds of the empress Theodora, wife of the emperor Justinian I (527–565), who was an actress before marrying her husband. In addition it draws on the legislation of the emperor Justinian, the chronicle of John Malalas, erotic epigrams of the period, and Christian ascetic literature. From these writings strong ideals of right and wrong sexual behaviour emerge, revealing both traditional Roman values and the increasing Christianisation of society. This can create the impression that sexual activity was very tightly controlled, especially prostitution, extra-marital sex, and same-sex sex. However, it is apparent that life was less clear-cut. Justinian himself recognized that desire was a powerful impulse and that people did ‘sin’. It is also evident that people could enjoy thinking about illicit sex, and engage in it enthusiastically. Ironically, overtly Chistian texts could even incite the desire they sought to neutralize.

Item Type:	Book Section
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > History, Archaeology and Religion
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
ISBN:	9781108842105
Last Modified:	20 Oct 2025 16:06
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/168385

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