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Exploring passion and pleasure in Pompeii's brothels

What are Pompeii Brothels?

The Lupanar of Pompeii, a Roman brothel preserved impeccably after Mount Vesuvius' eruption in 79 AD, provides a rare insight into ancient Pompeii's sex trade. This two-story building, boasting ten rooms with stone beds and erotic frescoes, was frequented by men from various social classes, and offered employment opportunities for women.

Pompeii Brothels Quick Facts

Pompeii Brothels
  • Official name: Lupanar of Pompeii
  • Location/Address: 80045 Pompeii, NA, Italy
  • Timings: Daily 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Why Visit Pompeii Brothels

Pompeii Brothels
  • Historical taboos unveiled: The Lupanar of Pompeii offers a rare glimpse into the world of ancient Roman brothels, allowing visitors to explore a controversial yet intriguing aspect of Pompeii's history.
  • Well-preserved erotica: Witness explicit and remarkably preserved wall paintings that provide a candid look at the erotic artistry of the time, shedding light on Roman attitudes towards sexuality.
  • Architectural curiosities: Discover the layout of the Lupanar, with its small rooms featuring stone beds and inscriptions that reveal the names of the women who worked there, offering insights into the daily lives of sex workers.
  • Insights into women’s societal position: It was also a place where women could work to support themselves and their families. The prostitutes in the Lupanar were typically slaves or freed slaves, and they were often subject to abuse and exploitation. 
  • Cultural perspective: Explore the nuanced attitudes toward sex and desire in Roman society, challenging modern preconceptions and fostering a deeper appreciation of historical contexts.

What's Inside Pompeii Brothels?

Erotic frescoes

The walls of the Lupanar are decorated with a variety of erotic frescoes, which depict a variety of sexual positions and activities. The frescoes are well-preserved and offer a glimpse into the sexual attitudes and practices of the ancient Romans.

Stone beds

Each of the ten rooms in the Lupanar has a stone bed. The beds are simple and unadorned, but they are well-preserved and offer a glimpse into the physical space where prostitution took place.

Small windows

Each of the ten rooms in the Lupanar has a small window. The windows are too small for people to climb through, but they would have allowed light and ventilation into the rooms.

Phallic symbols

The Lupanar is decorated with a number of phallic symbols, which are symbols of fertility and male sexuality. The phallic symbols are a reminder of the purpose of the Lupanar, which was to provide sexual services to men.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pompeii Brothels

The Pompeii Brothels, also known as the Lupanare of Pompeii, is a Roman brothel that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It is the most well-preserved brothel in the ancient world, and it offers a unique glimpse into the sex trade in Pompeii.

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