Inside the Medieval Mind. Sex

Description

Although rooted in religious misogyny and crude anatomical knowledge, the sexual mores of the medieval era were surprisingly complex. This program explores the attitudes and behaviors of a sexual culture that was by turns romantic, transactional, and perverse. Documents and historical accounts include the story of Christina of Markyate, who defied marital conventions and maintained a lifelong vow of chastity; the more passionate tale of Peter Abelard and Heloise d'Argenteuil, whose 12th-century love letters transcend the brutality of the age; and a list of intrusive questions compiled to help 11th-century priests steer parishioners away from promiscuity. Troubadour poetry and primitive views of menstruation and fertility are also discussed.

Runtime

58 min

Series

Subjects

Geography

Genre

Date of Publication

[2010], c2008

Database

Films on Demand

Direct Link