Sexual Needs of Ancient Soldiers: A Dark Chapter in History
In ancient armies, particularly in the Chinese military, where the majority of soldiers were male, addressing personal sexual needs was an inevitable challenge. However, the methods employed were often far from humane.
While some armies allowed the wives of high-ranking officers to accompany their husbands on campaigns, this was more of an exception. Ancient societies largely confined women to the domestic sphere, and the harsh and dangerous life of a soldier was not deemed suitable for them.

In many other cases, ancient governments established a corps of “comfort women,” who were often conscripted or forced to provide sexual services to soldiers. These women typically lacked social standing, had little choice in their situation, and were treated as mere tools, enduring harsh conditions and a lack of protection.
Even more disturbingly, in some wars, it was considered a “reward” for soldiers to capture and violate women in conquered regions. Although this practice was historically prevalent, it left a dark legacy of humanitarian consequences, especially for the violated women.

The ancient approaches to meeting soldiers’ sexual needs reflect the harsh realities of war, as well as the deeply ingrained inequalities and inhumane treatment of women, who were often viewed as little more than spoils of war with no autonomy.
However, over time, societal advancements and modern military progress have brought about a significant shift. Today, many countries’ armies encourage positive social activities, such as festivals and interaction events, providing soldiers with more civilized opportunities to find life partners.
Additionally, the integration of women into modern militaries has been instrumental in fostering a more professional, healthy, and gender-equal working environment.