The History of Sex

1999 - 1999

The 20th Century

16th August 1999

Episode 1

A sensual, extensive series that looks at what sex has meant to the development of civilization--and what the development of civilization has meant to sex. From the first latex condom in the 1920s to the birth of the Pill in the 1960s, sexuality evolved at a rapid pace in the 20th century. How will sex change in the 21st century?

From Don Juan to Queen Victoria

17th August 1999

Episode 2

This part of our sexual sweep through history covers the intensely romantic (Don Juan, Casanova) and the darkly perverse (Marquis de Sade), then moves on to the 19th century with its quirky views. It is the era of Queen Victoria, yet mail-order pornography takes off. We also reveal carnal kinks of the Pilgrims and Puritans.

The Middle Ages

18th August 1999

Episode 3

In this steamy history, we trace the evolution of sexual beliefs and practices from the fall of the Roman Empire through the Renaissance. We'll also uncover the conflicting extremes of medieval romance and sex--from the bawdy life of European city dwellers to the staid and dangerous practice of courtly love. Medieval scholars offer humorous and interesting carnal tales of lusty knights, bawdy widows, naughty priests, and chaste maidens.

The Eastern World

19th August 1999

Episode 4

An exploration of sex in China, Japan, India, and the Arab world that offers an intriguing perspective on the interrelation of sexuality and spirituality in eastern culture. Among the topics presented are the ancient Chinese equivalent of Viagra, Japanese acceptance of prostitutes and pornographic art, and tips from the Kama Sutra.

Ancient Civilization

20th August 1999

Episode 5

In this hour, we study sex in the ancient world--from Mesopotamians, who viewed adultery as a crime of theft, to Romans, who believed that squatting and sneezing after sex was a reliable method birth control. We also look at revealing Egyptian and Greek practices--from the origins of dildos, to intimate relations between Egyptian gods and goddesses, to the use of crocodile dung as a contraceptive.

Top Cast

Director

Mark Hufnail

Writer

Melissa Jo Peltier

The History of Sex is a 1999 five part documentary series by Jim Milio, Kelly McPherson, and Melissa Jo Peltier; and narrated by Peter Coyote. It was first aired on The History Channel. It features interviews of Hugh Hefner, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Helen Gurley Brown, and more.

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Full Cast

Peter Coyote Image

Peter Coyote

Himself - Narrator

Full Crew

Mark Hufnail

Director

Melissa Jo Peltier

Writer

Jim Milio

Director

Melissa Jo Peltier

Director

Kelly McPherson

Writer

Kevin McCafferty

Director of Photography

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