What Is Greek Sex? History & Modern-Day Popularity

When you think of “Greek sex,” what’s the first thought that pops up? A bunch of people in togas feeding each other grapes while they’re having sex? While the term's roots come from that scenic country in southeastern Asia, it’s become a euphemism that helps us be a little more undercover when talking about anal sex. 

So what exactly is Greek sex, and are people still doing it now? Get ready to have your socks knocked off.

What Is the History of Greek Sex?

As far as ancient societies go, Greece was incredibly forward-thinking. It may come from their reputation as the birthplace of many great philosophers — Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates being some of the most well-known. In a society known for thinking outside the box, having conservative views on sex and sexuality just wouldn’t fit. 

One of the most interesting ways that the Greeks were ahead of their time was how they looked at sex. Instead of holding onto harsh, strict gender identity and sexuality rules, they categorized things by the sexual role each person played during intimacy. Men having sex with men, women having sex with women, orgies filled with all genders — nothing was taboo. 

Although the exact origin of the term “Greek sex” isn’t clear, it may have come from the Romans using the term in their plays in a comedic, almost “roasting” manner. This led to people eventually equating anal sex with the Greeks exclusively, although, let’s face it, everyone was probably doing it. 

The Greeks were just a lot more open about it, and we bet they’d be super proud of their sexual legacy.

Greek Sex in Modern Times

But how does that translate to what we’re doing in the bedroom now? Unfortunately, American society seems not to be nearly as forward-thinking. Sexuality is still somewhat stigmatized, especially anything that isn’t strictly cisgender, heterosexual missionary-position sexuality. 

However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore what feels good to you without worrying about what judgments others will place on it. Think Greek, right? As the late, great Dr. Alfred Kinsey found, sexuality isn’t binary — it’s a beautiful, complex spectrum. 

And even if you identify strictly on the heterosexual end of the scale, that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with anal play on your own or with your partner. It’s not “gay,” and it certainly doesn’t change anything about who you are. It’s time to finally strip the stigma away from consensual pleasure and let people do what they want without labels or judgment. 

Check out prostate massagers if you’re looking for a good place to start. Prostate massagers are specifically designed to stimulate the P-spot, a small gland inside the anus. The prostate has been compared to the female G-spot in terms of how it can make you feel. 

Some vibrating prostate massagers, like the Tomo Come Hither, provide even more stimulation and put your orgasmic power in your own hands. The customizable nature of prostate massagers means there is something for everyone.

Here are a few tips if it’s your first time:

Get To Know Your Body

Take the time to get to know your body. Use plenty of lube and try to find your prostate with your fingers. You should locate it a few inches into your anus, toward the front side of your body, between the base of your penis and anus. 

It’s about the size of a walnut and will feel slightly softer and more spongy than the rest of the area. Many people describe that initial sensation as similar to having to pee, which makes sense because the prostate is relatively close to the bladder. 

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice stimulating your prostate with your fingers. Many people have luck using a “come hither” movement with the palm of their hand facing the front side of their body, but feel free to experiment and find what feels good. 

Try pressing on your prostate like a doorbell or gently running your finger over the gland's surface.

Try a Massager

Once you feel comfortable with where your prostate is and what type of stimulation feels good, you can graduate to using your prostate massager! Again, lube is the key because the anus cannot make its own. 

Any anal stimulation (not just “Greek sex,” as it were) will be far more difficult and even potentially uncomfortable or painful without lube. Start slowly, take your time, and give your body time to adjust (AKA, don’t just “ram” it in).

Switch Positions

Try different positions, too. Laying on your side (in a “fetal” position), your stomach, or even your hands and knees can vary the intensity and help you ease insertion. 

Remember, practice makes perfect! It may feel awkward at first, but once you get to know your body, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. 

Invite a Friend

Start with active, open communication if you decide to include your partner in your anal play. It can be a vulnerable feeling to finally give voice to certain desires, especially if you’ve unconsciously (or consciously) self-stigmatized yourself. A loving, trusting partner will make it feel safe and acceptable to be vulnerable, and they’ll probably be super excited to be included! 

If you need a little more incentive to try it for yourself, prostate orgasms have been described as “mind-blowing,” “full body,” and “spine-tingling” experiences in a way that traditional orgasms aren’t. You owe it to yourself to at least try it once, right? Experimentation is what keeps life fun and enjoyable!

In Conclusion

If you want to experiment with greek sex, you don’t have to book a trip to Greece (although it would be fun). There are plenty of ways to try anal play, many of which don’t even require a partner! 

Prostate massagers are a great way to try anal play out for yourself, and you can eventually use them with a partner if you want. Pleasure is for everyone, and what you like in the bedroom doesn’t define who you are. 

Sources:

Active/Passive, Acts/Passions: Greek and Roman Sexualities | The American Historical Review

How does the prostate work? | NCBI Bookshelf

Research | The Kinsey Scale