The story of sex, eroticism and pornography II. The Ancient Mesopotamia

Sexualityplayed a central role in ancient Mesopotamia. This was not only for everyday people but also for the rulers and the gods. The gods of Mesopotamia lived like humans: they were married, had children, had a household, and took care of their families. And when love turned bad, it had the same negative consequences as it did with people.

the Ishtar Gate

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"Divine" sex

The gods were immortal and superior to human beings, so they did not necessarily need sex for the procreation of children. In various legends and stories, the intricate love and sexual relationships between the gods included cheating, trickery, and disguise. Love myths usually involve a male god who disguises himself and tries to get sexually close to the goddess - or avoid his lover. False identity is used in these myths to avoid social norms of sex and loyalty.

The myths also highlight the tensions and alienation between lovers during the dating and the fatal consequences of the scam.

In poetry, the female and male genitals were also celebrated, and the genitals were depicted with symbols which were made of clay or bronze (found in the city of Assur, dating from before 1000).

Astarte (Ishtar)

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Happy Goddess , happy kingdom and happy people

Divine sex was not only the privilege of the gods, but it could also be attended by a mortal ruler. In the tradition of holy marriage, the king of the state is also the husband of the goddess of love, Astarte. However, this relationship with the goddess of love may have had some performance constraints. According to some researchers, these marriages were physically expressed by the king and a priestess (or other woman symbolizing the goddess). And the sexual gratification of the goddess, the priestess, was essential and proved the king's masculinity and aptitude! There is also a view that, even if it was a physical part of the sacred marriage ceremony, it was more symbolic than corporal - for example, the ruler could share his bed with the goddess statue.

It isimportant to speak about the priestesses of Isthar, but that topic is worth aseparate post…...