Toxic Masculinity in the Ancient World

Offers the first study of toxic masculinity in the context of ancient Greece and Rome Covers both Greek and Roman societies, and a broad range of sources, such as curse tablets, history, philosophy, drama, poetry, and medical texts Connects the ancient and modern world to improve our understanding of both Addresses contemporary issues and events such as violence against women and online hate groups Provides a model for using anachronistic theoretical frameworks to understand the past Contributes to the field of masculinity studies by bringing together work on gender in ancient Greece, Rome, and contemporary Western societies This book looks at a contemporary concept toxic masculinity and considers its usefulness for understanding the ancient Mediterranean world. By concentrating on the particular elements that make up this form of masculine behaviour and identity, briefly defined as a performance of masculinity that is harmful to people who should be protected, to one's community, or to oneself, we illuminate tensions and contradictions within Greek and Roman conceptions of gender, while tracing some origins of modern gender roles. This book also highlights the ways that texts and events from the ancient world are invoked in the construction of toxic masculinity today. Covering Athenian oratory and drama, Roman poetry and history, curse tablets, early Christian writing, Italian cinema, US politics, and more, this collection brings together the ancient and modern to ask what shapes a culture's understanding of masculinity and how to identify the aspects of that understanding that can cause harm.