Old dudes

[Maion Maroneios]

I think this is a gross oversimplification. Whilst officially true, I supsect the majoriety of couples at least developed affection for each other. Women who are unhappy and sexually unsatisfied are actually quite a bit harder to get pregnant; a fact which was recognised in the medieval period.

Right... Have you every heard of the story of Alkibiades and his wife, Hipparete? Well, as the story goes, his wife was very upset of him having multiple mistresses and went to the court to apply for a divorce (yes, that at least could happen in Athenai). Alkibiades found out, and he went to the court and found her. Guess what he did to her? He grabbed her by the hair, and forced her home against her will, humiliating her and dragging her through the entire Agora in front of everyone who was there. Not only that, but the story was famous enough as to be considered in Ploutarchos' biography of Alkibiades 5 centuries later.

What does the above mean if you ask me? If there was any affection or was practised as widely as you say amongst most couples, this story wouldn't be so popular. Not popular at all. But I know this is an extreme example. Plus, there was probably some affection between couples. At least not enough to even be considered a couple by modern standards. As I said, the idea of having sex with your wife solely and being monogamous, was frowned upon in Ancient Greek society.

Maion