Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Episode: The Sex Worker Who Murdered A Roman Emperor
Host: Kate Lister
Release Date: June 6, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Betwixt The Sheets, host Kate Lister delves deep into the intriguing intersection of sex work and political power in ancient Rome. Titled "The Sex Worker Who Murdered A Roman Emperor," the episode explores the life of Marcia, a prominent sex worker who played a pivotal role in the assassination of Emperor Commodus. Joined by Professor Anise Strong, author of Prostitutes and Matrons in the Roman World, Kate unpacks the societal norms, legal frameworks, and personal stories that paint a vivid picture of sex work in ancient Rome.

The Genesis of Professor Anise Strong's Research

[05:19] Kate Lister: "What brought you to writing that book?"

[05:38] Professor Anise Strong:
"Honestly, it was early in graduate school when I discovered the story of Vestilia, a wealthy senator's wife known for her numerous lovers. Her conflict with Emperor Tiberius highlighted the complexities of sex work and personal freedom, inspiring me to explore this nuanced subject further."

Legal and Social Status of Sex Workers in Rome

Kate and Professor Strong discuss the legal frameworks surrounding sex work in ancient Rome, highlighting that while prostitution was legal and taxed, sex workers occupied a precarious social status known as infamia. This status affected their reputation and the reliability of their testimonies in court.

[11:04] Professor Anise Strong:
"Prostitutes couldn't marry senators, and although their profession was legal and taxed, they were granted certain legal protections, such as the right to refuse clients, as seen in the case of Manila."

[12:35] Professor Anise Strong:
"The Romans fined women like Manila rather than imposing harsher punishments, recognizing their right to self-defense and refusal of unwanted advances."

The Brothel of Pompeii: A Case Study

The brothel in Pompeii stands out as a unique archaeological site, designed explicitly for sex work. Unlike luxurious portrayals in literature, Pompeii's brothel was a utilitarian space with minimal privacy, reflecting the reality of everyday sex work.

[18:57] Professor Anise Strong:
"The Pompeii brothel, known as the 'Lupanar,' is the only identified establishment designed specifically for sex work. Its graffiti provides invaluable insights into the lives of sex workers, revealing their names and personal interactions."

Marcia: The Sex Worker and Assassin

The episode reaches its climax with the story of Marcia, a freedwoman who becomes the principal mistress of Emperor Commodus. Their relationship illustrates the blurred lines between personal relationships and political power in Rome.

[30:08] Professor Anise Strong:
"Marcia rose to become Commodus's principal mistress, wielding significant wealth and influence. She even intervened to save Christians condemned to die, showcasing her complex role in Roman society."

However, tensions escalate as Commodus's erratic behavior leads him to view Marcia as a threat.

[32:53] Kate Lister:
"Did she get away with it?"

[33:03] Professor Anise Strong:
"Initially, Marcia evaded punishment for orchestrating Commodus's murder by having him strangled in his bath. However, her freedom was short-lived as political tides turned, and she was executed shortly after."

Theodora: Transition and Transformation

The discussion shifts to Theodora, another influential female figure associated with sex work, who becomes Empress of Constantinople. Her marriage to Emperor Justinian marks a significant shift in the legal treatment of sex work.

[34:18] Professor Anise Strong:
"Theodora transitioned from being a principal dancer in chariot racing factions to becoming Empress. Together with Justinian, she banned sex work in Constantinople, leading to the forced conversion of sex workers into nuns or their return to family life."

Unfortunately, this initiative faced resistance and limited success.

[36:25] Professor Anise Strong:
"Many ex-sex workers resorted to suicide, indicating the harsh realities of Theodora's reforms."

Christianity’s Influence on Roman Views of Sex Work

The rise of Christianity significantly impacted societal attitudes towards sex work, shifting perceptions from a tolerated profession to a stigmatized one.

[39:25] Professor Anise Strong:
"Christianity made sex work less respectable. Festivals like Floralia, which celebrated sex workers and actresses, faced vehement opposition from Christians who sought to transform them into symbols of shame."

Gender and Sexuality in Roman Sex Work

The episode also explores the dynamics of male sex workers in Rome, noting that while predominantly catering to male clients, there were instances of male-to-male sexual services.

[43:17] Kate Lister:
"Do you think there's any chance, any chance at all that women were maybe going to the brothel?"

[44:02] Professor Anise Strong:
"There's some possibility. Additionally, gladiators in Pompeii attracted a following that may have included female admirers, blurring traditional gender roles in sex work consumption."

The Precarious Nature of Sex Work

Throughout ancient Rome, sex workers navigated a volatile existence with limited rights and constant societal judgment, making their lives both precarious and dynamic.

[37:30] Kate Lister:
"Women had so few rights anyway, that it must have been an extraordinarily volatile existence."

[46:59] Professor Anise Strong:
"Most likely, successful transitions for sex workers included roles as madams or managers, though evidence is sparse. One notable case is Vibia Chrestis, who proudly identified herself as a madam on her tombstone."

Notable Quotes

• Professor Anise Strong [05:38]:
  "Vestilia was a really wealthy woman, a senator's wife, and so forth. She was notorious for having many lovers."

• Professor Anise Strong [12:35]:
  "She has the right to both self-defense and to refuse a client. That's huge."

• Professor Anise Strong [30:23]:
  "Marcia intervened to save Christians, showing her complex influence in the imperial court."

• Professor Anise Strong [34:44]:
  "Theodora and Justinian's ban on sex work was the first known law making sex work illegal, but it faced significant resistance and limited success."

Conclusion

Kate Lister and Professor Anise Strong provide a nuanced exploration of sex work in ancient Rome, highlighting its integral role in society, the complex interplay with political power, and the shifting moral landscapes influenced by emerging Christian values. The story of Marcia serves as a compelling testament to the agency and influence that sex workers could wield, even in a society as patriarchal and rigid as ancient Rome.

For listeners eager to dive deeper into these fascinating historical narratives, Professor Strong recommends visiting her Western Michigan University website and exploring her comprehensive work on Roman sex work.

Stay Tuned:
In upcoming episodes, Kate will uncover "The Truth Behind Jane Austen" and continue the sex worker miniseries with a focus on the medieval world.

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