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!
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@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.