For hundreds of years, the word "harem" has fascinated millions of people in the world, and TV series about Sultan concubines have broken all viewing records. What was hidden behind the walls of the harems and why do they still exist? Is it possible to explain the existence of harems by polygamy alone? What was the harem really — a place of detention for women or a kind of social elevator for its inhabitants? The book by the famous English historian James Klug tells the story of harems from ancient times to the beginning of the twentieth century. The author analyzes the most diverse aspects of harem life, examines the status of its inhabitants, compares harems of different countries, transmits European rumors and legends about eastern harems..