Homosexuality in ancient Egypt
Homosexuality in ancient Egypt is a disputed subject within Egyptology. Historians and egyptologists alike debate what kinds of views the ancient Egyptians' society fostered about homosexuality. Only a handful of direct clues survive, and many possible indications are vague and subject to speculation.
Depictions of possible homosexuality
Nyankh-khnum and Khnum-hotep
The best known case of possible homosexuality in ancient Egypt is that of the two high officials
Egyptologists and historians disagree about how to interpret the paintings of Nyankh-khnum and Khnum-hotep. Some scholars believe that the paintings reflect an example of homosexuality between two married men and prove that the ancient Egyptians accepted same-sex relationships.[2] Other scholars disagree and interpret the scenes as an evidence that Nyankh-khnum and Khnum-hotep were twins, or even possibly conjoined twins. No matter what interpretation is correct, the paintings show at the very least that Nyankh-khnum and Khnum-hotep must have been very close to each other in life as in death.[1]
King Pepi II and his general officer Sasenet
A well known story, dating back to the
The chapter in which king Pepi II visits his loyal general officer is subject of passionate discussions. Especially one certain phrase stays in the centre of investigations: the text says, that "his majesty went into Sasenet's house and did to him what his majesty desired". The phrase "doing what one desires" is a common flowery phrase to describe sex.[4] For this reason, some scholars are convinced that the papyrus reveals king Pepi's homosexual interests and his same-sex relationship with his general officer.[1] But other scholars are instead convinced that the passage is merely an allegoric pun to religious texts, in which the sun god Râ visits the underworld god Osiris during the middle four hours of the night. Thus, king Pepi II would be taking the role of Râ and Sasenet would take the role of Osiris. The phrase "doing what one desires" would therefore be overrated and misinterpreted.[3]
Horus and Set
A further famous story about same-sex intercourse can be found in the
The famous rape of Horus by his jealous uncle is also a subject of passionate discussion. While most scholars agree that the papyrus clearly describes rape, it must remain open, whether it actually describes a homosexually driven deed. Background of the dispute are Set's motives: he does not love Horus; in contrast, he hates his nephew and the rape was clearly performed to humiliate Horus. The only common ground between the rape and homosexuality is that the act was of same-sex nature.[3] But some scholars[who?] are not so sure and point out that Set was often credited with alternative sexual interests.[citation needed]
Others
Two military men named Ramose and Wepimose or Wepwawetrnose who dedicated Salakhana Stela CM004 might have been a couple.[citation needed]
Suty and Hor who are known of the famous stela, often regarded as a locus classicus of twins, could have been a male couple.[citation needed]
At Sheikh Fadl, there is a tomb dating to the 6th or 5th Century BCE with an Aramaic inscription apparently written by one member of a male couple to another, in which the speaker says "I cannot abandon him, I shall rest with him; I love Lekii (personal name?) very much."[5]
Ancient Egyptian views
It remains unclear what exact view the ancient Egyptians fostered about homosexuality. Any documents, or literature that contain stories involving sexual acts never name the nature of the sexual deeds but instead use flowery and euphemistic paraphrases. While the stories about Seth and his sexual behavior may reveal rather negative thoughts and views, the tomb inscription of Nyankh-khnum and Khnum-hotep may instead suggest that homosexuality was likewise accepted. Ancient Egyptian documents never clearly say that same-sex relationships were seen as reprehensible or despicable. No ancient Egyptian document mentions that homosexual acts were punishable offenses. Thus, a direct evaluation remains problematic.[1][3]
Talmudic literature
In Talmudic literature, the ancient Egyptians are known for their liberal sexual lifestyles and are often used as the prime example of sexual debauchery.
See also
- Ashmolean Parchment AN 1981.940, a Coptic male homosexual love charm written in Hermopolitan dialect
- Timeline of LGBT history (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender related history)
References
- ^ a b c d e f Richard Parkinson: Homosexual Desire and Middle Kingdom Literature. In: The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology (JEA), vol. 81, 1995, pp. 57–76.
- ^ Dena Connors-Millard: Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep - Evidence of Gay Relationships Exists as Early as 2400 B.C.? (English).
- ^ ISBN 3-424-01011-1, pp. 178–179.
- ISBN 3-8258-6132-5, pp. 187–191.
- ^ Meltzer, Edmund. "Gender Roles in Ancient Egypt". Retrieved April 27, 2021.
- ISBN 0231096615, page 17–36.
Further reading
- Graves-Brown, Carolyn, ed. (2008). Sex and Gender in Ancient Egypt: "Don Your Wig for a Joyful Hour". The Classical Press of Wales. ISBN 9781905125241.