Did Western Kings have concubines?
The kings were allowed to have many wives and paramours or concubines. A concubine never gets the social respect and privileges similar to the consort.
Why did Chinese emperors have so many concubines?
An Emperor could have as many or as few concubines as he wished, with the main purpose of bearing him lots of children. During the earlier dynasties, concubines were frequently chosen from poor families and so often parents obliged, assuming that their daughters were embarking on a better life inside the palace.
Which Chinese emperor had the most concubines?
Ying Zheng also known Qin Shi Huang had numerous concubines. The Qin Dynasty, he founded (pronounced ‘Chin’) changed its name to China and it was he who first initiated the building of the Great Wall and construction of the Grand Canal.
Does concubinage still exist today?
Concubinage still exists today in various forms. Women are not forced into it like they were, and it is still mostly among Asian wealthy class. Having a concubine or mistress is accepted as part of the culture in Asia. The role of women is still second to that of men. Wealthy business leaders hold women today.
What is the role of a concubine in Asian culture?
Having a concubine or mistress is accepted as part of the culture in Asia. The role of women is still second to that of men. Wealthy business leaders hold women today. These women are kept in separate homes or apartments today, and do not work as slaves around the house with the wife.
Did the ancient Greeks and Romans have concubines?
Both the Ancient Greeks and Romans had concubines, and concubinage also appears in the Christian Bible. These lesser wives were also widely found in Asia and the Middle East, and such relationships can still be found in some of these regions, although they may be restricted by law. Generally, only men of high social status have concubines.
What happened to the concubines of the other emperors of China?
Both Yongle and the Hongxi Emperor, two of The Hongwu Emperor’s successors, continued this gruesome tradition. Thankfully the Zhengtong Emperor abolished the practice in his will in 1464, so the concubines of the other emperors only had to fear loss of favour instead of the loss of their life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywrjQCM8QoI