The Plague of Lust

Vol. 1 (of 2). Being a History of Venereal Disease in Classical Antiquity

Rosenbaum

• Publisher: Science & Technology Publishing
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN:
  9782528117828
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Ancient History

The Plague of Lust Vol. 1 (of 2): Being a History of Venereal Disease in Classical Antiquity is a comprehensive and scholarly exploration of the origins, spread, and cultural impact of venereal diseases in the ancient world. Authored by Dr. Julius Rosenbaum and translated from the German by an anonymous translator, this volume delves deeply into the medical, social, and historical aspects of sexually transmitted diseases as they were understood and experienced in classical Greece and Rome. Drawing on a wide array of sources, including ancient medical texts, literature, and historical records, the book examines the prevalence of diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea, their symptoms, and the various treatments attempted by ancient physicians. Rosenbaum meticulously traces the evolution of medical knowledge and public attitudes toward venereal disease, highlighting the interplay between superstition, religious beliefs, and emerging scientific thought. The narrative is enriched with detailed accounts of famous historical figures, mythological references, and the influence of disease on art, law, and daily life. The author also investigates the moral and ethical dimensions of sexuality in antiquity, considering how concepts of purity, vice, and punishment shaped responses to outbreaks and sufferers. The Plague of Lust is notable for its rigorous research, critical analysis, and vivid storytelling, making it both an important academic resource and a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of medicine, sexuality, or classical civilization. This first volume sets the stage for a thorough understanding of the complex relationship between human sexuality and disease, providing valuable insights into how ancient societies grappled with issues that remain relevant today.

Table of contents

• Transcriber’s Notes
• TRANSLATOR’S FOREWORD.
• AUTHOR’S PREFACE TO THE FIRST (GERMAN) EDITION.
• CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
• INTRODUCTION.
• AUTHORITIES.
• FIRST SECTION.
• BIBLIOGRAPHY. AUTHORITIES AND HISTORIANS.
• INDEX OF GREEK AND LATIN WORDS EXPLAINED IN THE TEXT, AND OF THE SUBJECTS DISCUSSED IN BOTH VOLUMES