Pornography has always been a controversial and intriguing topic. From ancient carvings to modern digital media, it has evolved alongside human culture. But where did it all begin?
Today we’ll talk about the history of pornography, tracing its origins from prehistoric art to the digital age.
History Of Pornography
It is believed that whenever people had to display sexual feelings, they must have shown it through their different mediums. The first example of this is found 25000 years ago in the Stone Age, when humans made stone and wooden female statues in which the woman’s breasts were big and she was pregnant, some people also believe that these idols were made to increase sexuality.
On the other hand, people also believe that their idols were made for worship because it was a religious symbol. Then in 1200 BC, there is a mention of a statue in which a man and woman were shown having sex.
Over time, the Greek and Roman empires produced countless such erotic works. By making such idols, he tried to reach the taboo subject like sex in the common man’s psyche. Sexual freedom and homosexuality were openly shown in these artworks. Some of his marks are adorning the museum today.
The Kamasutra
The Kamasutra was written in India in the 9th century, and even today it is considered to be a great treatise on sexual relations. People all over the world read this book and try different sex positions. The Candela dynasty, the rulers of Khajuraho, started building temples in the ninth century. Then different types of sexual figures were made on the walls of the temples, and the temples can still be found today. The buildings speak volumes about the culture’s openness and liberal history.
Then different types of sexual figures were made on the walls of the temples, the temples are still left today. The buildings speak volumes about the culture’s openness and liberal history. Until the 15th century, porn was limited to paintings, sculptures and drawings. Then in 1441 AD, the printing press was invented, due to which paintings started to be printed on paper. In 1524, the famous Roman painter Julio Romano’s erotic paintings began to be printed and it got the first title of published pornography, but these paintings could only reach the convenient people.
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The punishment for writing or reading such books was fixed by the government. Then in the 17th century, a novel was published “Memories of Women’s Pleasure” which included many taboo topics including homosexuality. Overall people had a mixed reaction to this novel, but people definitely read it in secret. After a year, this book was banned. And it actually put its author in jail. The government’s charge was that the writer was corrupting the British public.
18th and 19th Century
18th-century photography took its step in the world, and the invention of photography made way for pornography, as such technology developed good quality photos started appearing in magazines and prices started decreasing, magazines started reaching the common man easily.
In the 18th century, erotic literature and art continued to flourish. One notable example is John Cleland’s novel “Fanny Hill”, published in 1748. This book, which chronicles the sexual adventures of a young woman, is considered one of the first works of pornographic fiction.
The 19th century saw the advent of photography, which quickly became a new medium for erotic imagery. Early erotic photographs, often called “French postcards” were circulated discreetly and became highly sought after.
The 20th Century Explosion
Film and Magazines
The 20th century brought significant changes to the world of pornography. The invention of motion pictures allowed for the creation of erotic films. The first known erotic film, “Le Coucher de la Mariée” was produced in 1896 and depicted a woman undressing for bed. This film set the stage for the burgeoning adult film industry.
Magazines also became a popular medium for pornography. In 1953, Hugh Hefner launched Playboy, a magazine that combined nude photography with articles and interviews. Playboy’s success paved the way for other adult magazines, such as Penthouse and Hustler.
The Internet Era
The advent of the internet in the late 20th century revolutionized pornography once again. The internet provided an unprecedented level of access to erotic content. Websites, forums, and streaming services made it easier than ever for people to find and share pornography. The industry expanded rapidly, with amateur and professional content available at the click of a button.
Pornography Today
Today porn is the most viewed and searched content. Porn is a business of millions of crores, and making porn films is legal in Western countries, although criteria have been set for making films, there is a lack of strict rules.
There is also news of physical and mental torture inside the industries. The lines in which the conflict is increasing bring something new in the market, due to which women are facing violence, for this it is necessary to bring strict rules. According to the way porn is increasing in the market, there is also a belief that sexual desire increases more in watching porn, due to which incidents like rape may happen. However, the way pornography has evolved, the input of violence is increasing.
The author of “The Brain that Changes Himself” believes that thirty years ago hardcore sex was limited to sex only, but now the term is used to spread violence, and hatred. Surely porn should be a matter of personal choice and legal rights. But along with this, there is a need to expand the awareness, it is important to understand the difference between what is porn and what is being shown to it.
The Bottom Line
Pornography has been around for ages, starting with ancient carvings and now sprawling across the digital world. It’s always mirrored our sexual desires and cultural norms. Looking at where porn came from, its history and how it evolved helps us understand our society and the shifting views on sexual expression. From prehistoric art to the internet, porn has both influenced and been influenced by human culture.
