Some Brief Background Information

Any discussion of gender or sexuality in the ancient world necessitates a primer.  The concepts of 'gender' & 'sexuality,' being inventions of the modern world (Foucault), are not found in ancient cultures.  This is not to say that people in antiquity knew nothing of 'biological' sex or sexual preferences, nor that they did not divide themselves along lines of visible secondary sex characteristics.  However, it is important to keep in mind that, despite the majority of terminology being identical to our own, there are a number of significant differences in what these terms meant to peoples in the past.

One ought also to note the vast period of time covered in this exhibit, from Egypt of the Old Kingdom (c. 2700 - 2200 bce) to around the midpoint of Roman occupation (30 ce - 641 ce).  Throughout the roughly three millenia discussed herein, Egypt underwent a huge number of cultural, social, & political changes to which it is impossible to give proper & thorough treatment.  This shall therefore not be a complete examination, but rather a survey, of a number of points which paint the clearest picture.  I have made a point of noting time periods throughout, & I encourage a look at the bibliography for further exploration.