Historiography frequently overlooks the history of prostitution in ancient Rome. In actuality, this topic teaches us a lot about the social, cultural, and even political dynamics of the period in question.
The History of Prostitution in Ancient Rome
The roots of prostitution in ancient Rome are deep and complicated. Although it is difficult to pinpoint a definite origin, it appears that this practice was already prevalent and regulated in the early centuries of the Republic. Prostitutes featured frequently in Roman mythology and tales. This shows how Roman society has included these figures since ancient times.
Is prostitution morally acceptable?
Ancient Rome widely recognized prostitution. Through prostitutes, young men acquired sexual experience. However, judgment changed for dissolute behavior. Orgy parties, where it was challenging to distinguish between prostitutes and respectable matrons, exemplify this.
Therefore, as long as one adhered to social conventions, prostitution was acceptable. The history of prostitution in ancient Rome starts with daily living. Young single men’s sexual needs led to the authorization of prostitution.
Origins and first developments.
Prostitution is considered the world’s oldest occupation. It comes as no surprise that the history of prostitution in ancient Rome began in the second century, when the practice became common. The comedies of the playwright Plautus show this. They were filled with scenes set in brothels as well as references to prostitution and its relationship to ancient Rome’s daily life.
As Rome’s links with the Greek culture grew, prostitution became increasingly prevalent. This sparked scornful condemnation from that segment of the more moralistic and conservative population. However, prostitution existed in ancient Rome prior to these interactions. In the fifth century BC, dramatist Livy describes what would become Rome’s red-light district, the Suburra.
Late Republican and Imperial age
Prostitutes used to congregate in the Suburra’s streets to flaunt their bodies during the late Republican and Imperial eras. Of course, they worked in brothels and also under the porticoes of theaters and circuses.
However, along the walls, temples, and cemeteries, older women prostituted themselves with the collusion of darkness. Homosexuals lent their bodies in the Vicus Cuscus, close to the forum. Prostitutes also worked in taverns.
Legal and social implications of prostitution
Prostitution was legal and regulated in ancient Rome. Prostitutes, known as “Lupae” or “meretrices”, were frequently slaves or freedwomen.
There was a distinct hierarchy. They ranged from slaves laboring in brothels to high-ranking courtesans who enjoyed some independence and social standing. Roman law established precise rules for brothel administration and prostitute behavior. This demonstrated the complexities with which Roman culture regarded this activity.
Cultural and religious consequences.
From a cultural standpoint, many aspects of Roman society valued prostitution. There were also religious feasts that included sexual ceremonies, some of which involved sacred prostitutes.
Literature and art depicted prostitutes in a variety of ways, some humorous or satirical, others more solemn and thoughtful. These portraits help us understand how the ancient Romans experienced and considered sexuality and prostitution.
Practice of the profession
As previously stated, the majority of prostitutes were slaves forced into prostitution by their masters, as well as freedwomen who used prostitution as a source of income. Furthermore, some women prostituted themselves for pleasure. The most famous case was that of the empress Messalina, who prostituted herself for pleasure in her spare time. Prostitutes wore distinctive attire, a tunic with no hem and a dark toga, as a form of identification.
Instead, high-class prostitutes favored transparent silk clothing. Women who sold their bodies were naturally more likely to resort to abortion and contraception options. Prostitutes held their own holiday on April 23, the day of Venus. During this ceremony, they wore official dress.
The pricing list
Prices were low, particularly for those who worked on the streets and in brothels. We know that at Pompeii, the standard charge was two asses. To comprehend its value, consider that two asses could buy two slices of bread or half a liter of cheap wine. The maximum cost was 23 asses. But in Rome, it was simple to find prostitutes working for a single “asse.” The fees varied depending on the attractiveness of the woman. The scenario for high-class prostitutes was different.
In fact, they provided companionship, clever conversations, and entertaining shows. They attended affluent men’s banquets or received financial assistance for a set amount of time before moving on to the next client. This type of prostitute also drew the attention of artists, who dedicated pieces to them, referring to them as “friends” or “ladies.” Street prostitutes, on the other hand, were known as “lupae” (because they were always on the lookout for money) or simply “meretrix” (a woman who makes money).
The brothels
Brothels are also part of the history of prostitution in ancient Rome. The profession of prostitutes in brothels is well documented in Pompeii. There were prosperous lupanars on Insula VII, as evidenced by numerous historical accounts. In Pompeii, however, there were at least 25 brothels, including the rooms in taverns. In the fourth century, there were 45 brothels in Rome. This appears to be a low sum, but it does not include the basic rooms in the back of shops.
The brothels were the location for the more modest clientele. In fact, the cellae, or rooms where prostitutes brought their clients, were cramped that they could barely fit a bed. They were filthy and smoky locations. Sexual intercourse occurred within minutes, frequently without total undressing. Frescoes depicting sexual situations typically appeared on the walls of the rooms.
Working in brothels
Brothels frequently featured rooms on the bottom floor that looked directly out to the street. The front displayed the name and rate of the prostitute who worked there. A sign reading “occupied” appeared on the street when the prostitute was with a client. In the brothel, the master’s slaves worked alongside the freedwomen. The latter paid rent for the room where they could exercise their occupation.
Phallic signs or writings about sexual pleasure identified the brothels. To lure clients, prostitutes would expose themselves on the street or lean out of windows, offering explicit invites to come inside.
The locations of brothels
In Rome, the wide and populous Suburra area specialized in low-income prostitution. However, there were several brothels near the Circus Maximus. Messalina, wife of Emperor Claudius, appears to have rented a cell near the Circus Maximus in order to prostitute herself for a low fee. She called herself Lycisca and engaged in prostitution for personal pleasure.
Generally, the wealthy men received girls into their homes. However, there were brothels for upper-class patrons. Emperor Caligula, for example, established his own brothel on Rome’s Palatine Hill. It was a luxurious building reserved for wealthy men. Inside, classy ladies and young boys practiced their trade.
The societal acceptance of prostitutes
In ancient Rome, visiting a brothel was not a cause for embarrassment. Some males went there anonymously. However, most of the customers went to the brothels in broad daylight.
To summarize, prostitution in ancient Rome was more than just a commercial business; it was a complicated phenomenon that affected many elements of public and private life. Understanding its history and evolution provides us with a more complex and profound view of Ancient Rome civilization, which continues to influence current culture.
Prostitution in Ancient Rome: interesting facts and anecdotes
Here’s a list of fascinating facts and anecdotes on the topic:
- Legality and social acceptance. Prostitution was legal, taxed, and relatively accepted in Ancient Rome. It served to control sexual desires, especially among celibate men or those away from their wives during military campaigns.
- Classification and status. There were various categories of prostitutes, from slaves forced into prostitution to high-ranking courtesans. Social status and the services offered varied greatly, influencing cost and accessibility.
- Lupanars and baths. Brothels were common and were often located near bathhouses, another place to find sexual services. The baths, besides their main function, served as a social and recreational meeting place.
- Symbols and signs. Specific symbols, such as carved phalluses or oil lamps with erotic images, advertised the services. These signs helped citizens and visitors find the services they needed.
- Taxation. Prostitutes had to pay tax on their earnings. This tax was a significant source of revenue for the state. The management and control of taxes on prostitution were tasks of the state administration.
- Contracts and Legal Protections. Despite their marginalized status, some prostitutes could have contracts defining the terms of their service, including rates and working conditions. This suggests that attempts to provide legal protection and regulate sex work have occurred in some cases.
- Role in Festivals and Religious Rites. Prostitution also had a ritual aspect in some religious festivals, where symbolic sexual acts appeased the gods or celebrated fertility.
- Male Prostitutes. Although less documented, there were also male prostitutes, serving both female and male clients. Their existence reflects the variety of sexual practices and the relative tolerance of Roman society toward different forms of sexual expression.
- Sexual Education. Interestingly, some Romans turned to prostitutes to educate young males about sex as a form of sexual initiation before marriage. This practice served to introduce them to sexual activities in a controlled environment.
- Cultural Influence. Roman art and literature often reflected sexual themes and representations of prostitutes, demonstrating the intertwining of sexual culture, eroticism, and everyday Roman life.
Prostitution in Ancient Rome Gallery
