The Brothel of Pompeii
Sex, Class, and Gender at the Margins of Roman Society

Offers an in-depth exploration of the only assured brothel from the Greco-Roman world, illuminating the lives of both prostitutes and clients.

Sarah Levin-Richardson (Author)

9781108496872, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 23 May 2019

266 pages, 74 b/w illus.
26.1 x 18.4 x 1.8 cm, 0.75 kg

'With this definitive publication, Levin-Richardson makes a lasting contribution to our knowledge of ancient prostitution and to ancient social history in general.' Marilyn Skinner, CJ Online

In this book, Sarah Levin-Richardson offers the first authoritative examination of Pompeii's purpose-built brothel, the only verifiable brothel from Greco-Roman antiquity. Taking readers on a tour of all of the structure's evidence, including the rarely seen upper floor, she illuminates the subculture housed within its walls. Here, prostitutes could flout the norms of society and proclaim themselves sexual subjects and agents, while servile clients were allowed to act as 'real men'. Prostitutes and clients also exchanged gifts, greetings, jokes, taunts, and praise. Written in a clear, engaging style, and accompanied by an ample illustration program and translations of humorous and haunting graffiti, Levin-Richardson's book will become a new touchstone for those interested in the history of women, slavery, and prostitution in the classical world.

Part I: 1. Architecture
2. Material finds
3. Graffiti
4. Frescoes
5. Upper floor
Part II: 6. Male clients
7. Female prostitutes
8. Male prostitutes.

Subject Areas: Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], Archaeology [HD], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], History of art: ancient & classical art,BCE to c 500 CE [ACG]