The city of Pompeii was buried alive in 79 CE when the nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted. The city was almost perfectly preserved, frozen forever in a moment of time. Among the many treasures discovered there over the ensuing 2,000 years were a series of erotic artworks, including these two that advertise services available at the local bath house / brothel.
It’s fascinating how simultaneously ancient and modern they seem. I was also heartened to think that women could get that kind of attention so long ago!
@emmasfriend I guess there’s a fair amount of erotic art and, um, artifacts, from Pompeii. I’ve read it’s a challenge for curators who want to show it because it’s interesting and important—but also not quite suitable for younger visitors.
Pompeii is fascinating! I loved exploring and would love to go back and spend more time there. They were so forward thinking in the way they built and lived.
It is our Judeo-Christian traditions that limit our attitudes. We've only relatively recently started enjoying what civilizations, 6,000 years ago practiced.
