Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Episode Summary: Inside the Brothel of Pompeii
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Host: Kate Lister
Guest: Sarah Levine Richardson, Author of The Brothel of Pompeii: Sex, Class, and Gender at the Margins of Roman Society
Introduction to Pompeii and Its Brothel
In this engaging episode of Betwixt The Sheets, host Kate Lister delves into the fascinating world of ancient Pompeii, focusing specifically on the city's only known purpose-built brothel, the Lupinar (00:26 - 08:29). Pompeii, a small Roman town of approximately 25,000 inhabitants, offers a unique glimpse into everyday life, thanks to the preservation wrought by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Kate Lister sets the stage by expressing her excitement:
"We are off on an exciting adventure and I can't wait to stop by and find out what exactly goes on in this place." (01:34)
Pompeii: A Snapshot of Daily Life
Sarah Levine Richardson provides a comprehensive overview of Pompeii, emphasizing its importance as a well-preserved archaeological site. She explains how the volcanic ash encapsulated the city, preserving not just grand structures but also mundane details like taverns, bakeries, and, notably, the brothel (13:53).
Key Points:
- Pompeii’s Size: Compared to Rome’s population of around a million, Pompeii was a modest town, making its preservation invaluable for historical studies.
- Preserved Structures: The ash preserved detailed aspects of daily life, allowing historians to explore various facets of Roman society, including sex work.
The Unique Brothel: Lupinar
The brothel of Pompeii, Lupinar, is highlighted as a singular example of a purpose-built establishment dedicated solely to the sale of sex (08:29 - 10:08). Unlike other locations where prostitution might occur sporadically, the Lupinar was meticulously designed for this purpose, underscoring its uniqueness in the Roman world.
Sarah Levine Richardson remarks:
"But building a structure just so that you can sell sex, it's the only example agreed upon from the Roman world." (08:29)
Defining a Brothel in Ancient Rome
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around what constitutes a brothel in the context of ancient Rome. Sarah elucidates the criteria used by scholars, such as erotic frescoes, graffiti, and built-in cement beds (08:39 - 10:08). She distinguishes between:
- General Prostitution Venues: Locations like taverns and inns where sex is one of many services offered.
- Purpose-Built Brothels: Establishments where the primary and sole service is the sale of sex.
Quote:
"If you use that definition, you're getting a really high number for a population that we think is about 25,000 people." (09:09)
Economic Viability and Failure of the Brothel
Kate and Sarah discuss the economic challenges that likely led to the Lupinar’s failure as a sustainable business model. Despite the innovative approach to creating an experiential space for clients, the brothel couldn’t charge more than street prostitutes, making it financially unfeasible (10:08 - 13:02).
Sarah Levine Richardson:
"It's a failed economic experiment. Like, it didn't make sense. There's prostitution practiced everywhere in the city, and the idea of building a structure... it's like just not bringing in enough money." (07:20 - 08:10)
Graffiti Insights: Voices from the Walls
One of the most captivating aspects of the brothel is the graffiti left by patrons and possibly the sex workers themselves. Sarah introduces us to Mola, a notable female sex worker whose name means "grindstone," symbolizing her relentless nature (28:29 - 30:44).
Notable Graffiti Quotes:
- "Felicis has fucked here." (38:30)
- "Felix, you fuck well." (38:03)
- "Mr. Garlic Farter had a great fuck here." (39:13)
These inscriptions provide rare firsthand accounts of interactions within the brothel, shedding light on the experiences and social dynamics of both workers and clients.
Agency and Enslavement of Sex Workers
A critical discussion point is the concept of agency among the enslaved sex workers. Despite their lack of freedom, Sarah argues that expressions like Mola's graffiti indicate attempts to assert personal identity and pride in their work (31:07 - 33:24).
Sarah Levine Richardson:
"I do think that it's important to pay attention to the ways in which they're trying to work this situation for their benefit." (33:24)
She raises poignant questions about their daily lives, emotional labor, and the potential for building relationships within the constraints of their enslavement.
Gender and Sexuality in the Brothel
The brothel was not exclusively for male clients; there is evidence suggesting the presence of male sex workers and possibly female clients (40:25 - 43:15). However, Sarah remains cautious about overextending conclusions due to the limited nature of the evidence.
Kate Lister:
"But what is true is the brothel is the most popular tourist destination in Pompeii. Why do you think that is?" (20:50)
This segment explores the binary gender norms of Roman society and the stigma surrounding female sexuality, making it unlikely for women to frequent brothels despite potential evidence.
Operation and Management of the Brothel
While much remains unknown about the brothel’s operation, Sarah speculates based on Roman norms that it was likely managed by a madam or a pimp (44:00 - 45:12). The two-story structure suggests that the upstairs might have been reserved for management, ensuring control and oversight of the establishment below.
Sarah Levine Richardson:
"I think whoever's managing the structure is living upstairs because they can then keep an eye on what's going on." (44:25)
Daily Lives and Further Questions
In the concluding part of the episode, Kate and Sarah reflect on the broader implications and remaining mysteries surrounding the brothel. They ponder the lives of the sex workers outside their professional roles and the limited understanding of their personal experiences (46:32 - 49:46).
Sarah Levine Richardson:
"I want to know about their lives actually, outside of sex." (48:43)
She expresses a desire to uncover more about their routines, relationships, and personal identities beyond their roles within the brothel.
Conclusion and Reflections
The episode wraps up with Kate acknowledging the complexity and richness of the brothel's history, while Sarah emphasizes the importance of continuing to explore and question the evidence left behind by those who lived it (50:07 - 50:18).
Kate Lister:
"It's so tantalizing, isn't it? You've just got this space, but there's so many questions within it." (46:37)
Further Resources
For listeners interested in delving deeper into Sarah Levine Richardson’s research, she can be found through her Academia.edu page and her faculty page at the University of Washington, Department of Classics.
Produced by: Stuart Beckwith and edited by Tom Delaghi
Senior Producer: Charlotte Long
Music: Epidemic Sound
Listen to more episodes of Betwixt The Sheets at History Hit.