Ancient Near Eastern Sex Appeal

The recurring visualization of the strong and handsome hero generally found in myths and tales can be found in the ancient Near Eastern culture too. Winter specifically points to the Stela of Naram-Sin, describing the physics details of Naram-Sin’s body using the words, “well proportioned, lithe, fit, and simply ‘divine’”. It is intriguing to see how common it is for readers to find themselves reading portrayals of the wonderful physique of a certain god or hero. In her article Winter, after analyzing Mesopotamian text and visual art, makes a connection between the sexuality of a man and his potency and power. As Winter notes, there is a set of ideal attributes that compose a dominant male, such as long beard, defined muscles and overwhelming height. Gilgamesh is an obvious example, whose physical characteristics described in the text seem to depict a “true man” of immense strength and toned body. His partner Enkidu is also described with attributes such as long hair and built, creating an image of a powerful man. In the Stela, it is also easy to notice the fine physical features of Naram-Sin’s body, signifying his triumph and supremacy. Through forms of visual art and writing, Mesopotamians have often used sexuality of the male characters to describe their potency and vigor, and modern readers can notice this similar pattern in many texts and paintings after the Mesopotamian era.