Bacchus

I remember reading a small extract on Wikipedia, unfortunately my computer deleted my browsing history and I cannot find the extract again. I need confirmation on what I THINK I read for an essay I am currently writing.

The extract detailed the difference in sexual practices of barbarians (I cannot remember whether it was discussing Gallic or Celtic sexuality) and Romans. It said that it was unusual for these barbarians to engage in sex before the age of 20.

Is there any truth to what i remember at all? Can anyone confirm which barbaric peoples the extract was discussing, where it might be from, etc.

Thanks

Salah

I have read that the Germanic tribes thought it was "perfectly scandalous" to engage in sex acts before the age of 20; I think it was in Caesar's De Bello Gallico but I will have to verify that.

According to Roman gossip, the Heruli (a clan related to the Goths) forced their young men into homosexual relationships with the older warriors; boys were not released from this sexual servitude until they proved their courage on the field of battle, or single-handedly hunted down and killed a bear.

Basically speaking, the Germanic tribes expected a young man to prove his worth as warrior/fighter before he was worthy of a female companion.

To my knowledge, the Gaulish peoples had no such restrictions; Celtic peoples tended to marry young - in pre-Christian Ireland, often before the age of 13.

Bacchus

Ah yes, thanks for the information it was very helpful; cleared up my confusion perfectly.

Salah

Glad to be of service