What was sex like in ancient Greece?

The ancient Greeks played an important role in shaping modern society. We have much to thank them for, from the system of government to aspects of the justice system and even plumbing. However, not all practices have stood the test of time, for intimacy in ancient Greece was far from modern romance. And Ancient Greece's views on intercourse, were far less conservative than those of modern society. For example, in Athens it was the norm to do dirty business with both men and women, and men often took protégés who acted as passive physical partners. Sex in ancient times played an important role in culture and social hierarchy. Men expected women to be housewives and bear sons, even though ancient Greeks often died in childbirth. Many think of ancient Greece as a place free for all when it came to physical relations, and in a sense it was. However, there were social structures and unspoken rules concerning this practice.