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= Sexuality in Medieval Europe: Doing Unto Others & The Experience of Homosexuality in the Middle Ages

The majority of knowledge about sexuality is discovered through the the writings of the monks. Barely any kind of homosexual relationship was written about. There could have been the possibility of a homosexual marriage , but the author tends to believe it was a kind of brotherhood.

In norse culture in Scandinavia there could have been homosexuality, but there is no literature to back it up. Apparently laws regarding homosexuality were not created until the 13th century(They say this was because Christian morality entered into the laws. That being said even heterosexuality was not really expressed in public which would infer that homosexuality would be that much harder to get information on. There are cases where literature such as poems show homosexual qualities:

    "Like Joseph in his form,
     like Adoniah his hair.
     Lovely of eyes like David,
     he has slain me like Uriah."

Monastic writings in 12th show first signs of homosexually inclined men.

Art and homosexuality

In medieval and ancient Rome there was not much in terms of literature on the subject of homosexuality. That being said there have been many instances throughout history where homosexuality is expressed through art. A frieze at the Suburban Baths in Pompeii depicts up to sixteen different sexual acts between men and men, men and women, or women and women. When threesomes are depicted they normally have two men penetrating a women. However, in one of the suburban pictures there is a threesome where a man is being penetrated by another man. Art was a form for homosexuality to legally be expressed, and not be condemned within the norms or society. (Another section that may overlap... remember to edit before adding to page)

The depiction of homosexuality in art saw a rise in the Late Middle Ages, beginning with the Renaissance of the twelfth century, when Latin and Greek influences were revitalized in Europe. Influenced by Roman depictions of romantic love, these "neo-Latin" poets portrayed male love in a positive light, while avoiding explicitly mentioning homosexuality, which was still a taboo topic. An example is the poet Marbodius of Rennes, who wrote of male beauty and desire:

A handsome face demands a good mind and a yielding one... this flesh is so smooth, so milky, so unblemished, so good, so slippery, so handsome, so tender. Yet the time will come... when this flesh, dear boyish flesh, will be worthless... be not slow to yield to an eager lover"

Punishment and Homosexuality

In early Medieval years, homosexuality was given no particular penance; it was viewed like all the other sins. For example, during the eighth century, Pope Gregory III gave penances of 160 days for lesbian-like acts and usually one year for males who committed homosexual acts. During the Inquisition itself, it is unlikely that people were brought up for homosexual behavior alone; it was usually for publicly challenging the Church's stance against homosexuality. Those who did not back down would be severely punished. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Acvile1220 (talk • contribs) 15:51, 28 November 2018 (UTC)

The church

Pope Gregory IX later on in the 13th century created a group of institutions within the government system of the Catholic Church whose aim was to combat public heresy committed by baptized Christians. This newly created group among other things mainstreamed the idea of condemning homosexual and the acts they have committed. Europe went from quickly not addressing homosexuality to appointing the death penalty to most anyone convicted. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Acvile1220 (talk • contribs) 15:55, 28 November 2018 (UTC)

Penetration and power/class

Penetration and power were highly correlated with the rights of the ruling elite in Roman society. It was acceptable for members of the less powerful group to surrender to penetration by members of a more powerful group. Thus, penetration was associated with a man's power and authority, and was not regarded as either a homosexual or heterosexual act. Although some scholars disagree, there is evidence that shows that lesbianism was not viewed as a problem; there were no laws restricting it. The Romans, perhaps because they were such a male-centered society, wrote little in their historical literature about women, especially lesbians.