Medieval historian explains adultery, relationships and sexual customs of historical Slovakia

Medieval historian Tünde Lengyelová from the Slovak Academy of Sciences' Institute of History discussed historical attitudes toward adultery, marriage, and sexuality in Slovakia from the 9th-10th centuries through the 18th century. Lengyelová explained that chastity belts were rare historical artifacts, prostitution was common in medieval times, and male infidelity was considered a display of masculinity. The historian detailed how adultery was proven in historical courts, whether men could disown children they believed were not theirs, and how kings and nobles commonly kept mistresses. She noted that husbands historically held the legal right to punish unfaithful wives, reflecting the patriarchal structure of medieval and early modern society.