Medieval people feared that the Black Death was a punishment for sin, and hoped that abstaining from sex could save them.
Tag: medieval sexuality
Virgin Whore
A surprisingly prevalent theme in late English medieval literature and culture: the celebration of the Virgin Mary’s sexuality.
Obscene Pedagogies: Transgressive Talk and Sexual Education in Late Medieval Britain
Obscenity is useful as a tool for teaching about sex and consent in the Middle Ages, and today.
Like a Virgin? The Medieval Origins of a Modern Debate
A recent Vatican ruling on consecrated virgins has caused controversy, but there are medieval precedents for the new approach.
Inventing Incest in Early Medieval Europe
The sixth century saw the emergence of a new understanding of the concept of incest, which was swiftly legislated in both secular and canon law.
Child Sexual Abuse? A View from England in the Later Middle Ages
Bringing sex offenders to justice was as challenging in the Middle Ages as it is today.
Maleficent Favourites: Seductive Bewitchment at the English Court
Accusations of witchcraft were often used to explain away transgressive behaviour between kings and favourites.
