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What Methods Did Ancient Soldiers Use to Fulfill Their Physical Needs in Prolonged Battles?

11 September, 2024

Sexual health is an integral part of our daily lives, encompassing activities such as eating, personal hygiene, sleep, and especially our sexual needs – a basic instinct for the preservation of the human race.

How did ancient soldiers manage their sexual health needs?

In the male-dominated ancient Chinese military, addressing sexual health became a significant challenge. Historically, there were simple yet sometimes brutal methods to tackle this issue.

A more humane approach was to allow the wives of high-ranking officers to accompany their husbands to their postings. Their presence not only fulfilled the sexual needs of their spouses but also provided support in their daily lives, alleviating homesickness.

A humane solution: Wives of high-ranking officers were allowed to accompany their husbands.

However, this was not always feasible, especially considering the traditional upbringing of Chinese women during that era, who were expected to stay at home and away from dangerous places like battlefields.

Another method, albeit a cruel one, was the utilization of “military prostitutes” or “camp followers” – women selected by the court to cater to the sexual demands of the troops. These women often lacked social standing, endured abuse and a lack of freedom, rendering them vulnerable without any protection.

The male-dominated ancient Chinese military presented a unique challenge when it came to addressing the sexual health needs of its soldiers. While there were brutal methods employed in the past, a more humane approach was also adopted.

Ancient Chinese Military: A Male-Dominated Environment

This involved permitting the wives of high-ranking officers to accompany their husbands to their military postings. Not only did this arrangement fulfill the sexual needs of the soldiers, but it also provided them with daily support and a sense of home in a foreign land.

However, this solution was not always practical, especially given the cultural expectations of Chinese women at the time, who were traditionally raised to stay at home and away from dangerous places such as battlefields.

A crueler method involved the use of “military prostitutes,” women selected by the court to cater to the troops’ sexual demands. These women often had little social standing, faced abuse, and lacked freedom, making them vulnerable without protection.

Frequently asked questions

Ancient soldiers used a variety of methods to fulfill their physical needs during prolonged battles. These included carrying portable toilets, using natural resources like leaves and snow, and adopting specific dietary habits. They also utilized unique methods such as carrying their own personal toilets, employing ‘toilet buddies’, and utilizing specific battle strategies that allowed for bathroom breaks.

The obvious challenge was the lack of access to proper toilets or privacy during battles. Soldiers often had to relieve themselves in the midst of combat, exposing them to enemy attacks and uncomfortable conditions.

Portable toilets were a common solution. These were often made of leather or cloth and could be folded and carried easily. Soldiers also utilized natural resources like leaves to cover holes they dug, providing some privacy and a basic toilet facility.

Yes, ancient soldiers often adopted specific diets during battles. They consumed foods that were easy to digest and avoided foods that could cause digestive issues or the need for frequent toilet breaks. For example, they might eat dried meats, hardtack biscuits, and drink minimal amounts of water.

Yes, battle strategies sometimes incorporated breaks for soldiers to take care of their physical needs. For example, during a siege, the attacking army might temporarily withdraw to allow soldiers to relieve themselves and rest.