<i>Pestis Gomorian</i>: semen and sodomy in the <i>Liber Gomorrhianus</i> by Peter Damian

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/2357797587444

Keywords:

Lust, Gonorrhea, Semen, Liber Gomorrhianus

Abstract

The Liber Gomorrhianus by Peter Damian, written in the 11th century, is often interpreted in historiography in the context of homosexuality. However, we propose a new approach, highlighting the relationship between seminal emission, gonorrhea, and the sin of lust as central themes of the book. Damian criticizes the sexual corruption of the clergy, emphasizing the importance of purity for the clergy celebrating the sacrament. We examine the medieval view on semen, lust, and sexually transmitted diseases, emphasizing the evolution of penitential practices during this period. Additionally, we question the origin of the title "Liber Gomorrhianus", suggesting that the central focus of the source is the maintenance of clerical purity in the celebration of sacraments.

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Author Biography

Arthur Rocha Martins Rodrigues Teixeira, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)

Graduado em História pela Universidade Estadual de Campinas (2017-2020) e Mestre em História pelo PPGHIS-IFCH Unicamp (2021-2024). Atualmente é doutorando pelo PPGHIS do IFCH-UNICAMP na área de Dinâmicas e Linguagens Políticas, sub-linha Historiografia, Espacialidade e Representações, com bolsa do CNPq. Desenvolveu pesquisa de mestrado sobre homosexualidade e homoafetividade no monasticismo dos séculos XI-XII, realizou estágio de pesquisa no exterior no Trinity College Dublin, sob supervisão da Profa. Dra. Ruth Mazo Karras, ambas com fomento da Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (Fapesp). Desenvolveu pesquisa de Iniciação Científica (CNPq) sobre penitência e sexualidade entre os séculos XI-XII. É orientado pela professora Néri de Barros Almeida. Membro do LEME Unicamp (Laboratório de Estudos Medievais - Núcleo Unicamp) e da ABREM (Associação brasileira de estudos medievais).

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Published

2024-08-05

How to Cite

Teixeira, A. R. M. R. (2024). <i>Pestis Gomorian</i>: semen and sodomy in the <i>Liber Gomorrhianus</i> by Peter Damian. Revista InterAção, 15(2), e87444. https://doi.org/10.5902/2357797587444

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Vol. 15 No. 2 (2024): Publicação Contínua - Dossiê "Doenças do corpo e da alma: história, religião e saberes médicos na Idade Média"

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