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Loading... The Reign of the Phallus: Sexual Politics in Ancient Athens (original 1985; edition 1993)by Eva C. KeulsKeuls’ book uses ancient Greek vases as a source for understanding the sexual politics of ancient Athens. She argues that Athens were a “phallocracy” in which phallic symbols dominated the life of the polis. Her book is really interesting, because she talks about prostitution, concubines, pederasty, marriage, myth, tragedy, and other juicy subjects. I suspect she is right that the writing of social history of ancient Athens has ignored artistic sources, but then again, reading this book, I can understand why; artwork is too vague to often be of much help. Often I found myself wondering, how the heck did she get a particular conclusion from a particular vase? Still, she raises a lot of good questions and writes very provocatively, even if her conclusions often seem stretched. Part archaeology, part mystery! Who's been breaking off the willies on the Herms in Ancient Athens? Keuls has an answer with compelling arguments. Oh, how I wish it were true! Chalk one up for the mad Maenads! Anyway, it certainly is interesting if only for the photos of kalices etc. that are usually hidden in the back rooms of museums for propriety's sake. Hmmm, I wonder if my fingerprints are still on file at the Metropolitan? |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)306.7Social sciences Social Sciences; Sociology and anthropology Culture and Institutions Relations between the sexes, sexualities, loveLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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