Conflict of body vs. soul, constantly being torn by weaknesses of the flesh. The body needs to be strictly regulated by moral activity, cultural, and religious practices.
Human body is only a reflection of a higher ethereal essence present in the cosmos.
Self-mastery must be obtained to control carnal lust. Body subjected to extreme ascetic practices. Characteristics are chasity, celibacy, poverty, fasting, and self-denial. Body viewed with scorn and contempt. Large scale slavery, global commerce, and colonialism define the era.