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Tagged: History, roman history
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August 20, 2024 at 12:25 PM #71653
The Romans were quite open about sex, far less prudish than later Western societies would become.
They viewed sex as a natural part of life, embracing it with a relaxed attitude. For instance, it wasn’t unusual to find erotic art in Roman homes, and the ruins of Pompeii, preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, reveal walls decorated with explicit murals.
As for how often the Romans engaged in sexual activities, it varied. The elite, with more leisure time, likely indulged more frequently. They often hosted banquets and gatherings that sometimes turned into wild parties known as convivia. These were not just ordinary get-togethers; they involved plenty of drinking, feasting, and, at times, sexual escapades.
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One interesting example comes from Gaius Petronius, a member of Emperor Nero’s court, who authored the Satyricon, a satirical novel that offers a glimpse into the indulgent lifestyles of the Roman elite. One of the stories recounts a lavish dinner party where, after too much wine, guests engaged in risqué activities. This suggests that among the upper classes, sexual encounters could be quite frequent, particularly during these social events. It’s safe to say that elite Romans probably had sex at least once a week if they were inclined.
For the common folk, life was tougher and more labour-intensive, so their sexual frequency was likely lower than that of the aristocracy. However, they still found time for pleasure. Public baths, for example, served as social hubs where flirtations—and sometimes more—occurred.
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These baths were places of leisure and socializing, where the lines between casual interaction and intimate encounters often blurred. For the working class, it’s reasonable to estimate that they had sex at least once or twice a month.
On the other hand, the Vestal Virgins, priestesses of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, were bound by a strict vow of chastity for 30 years. If they broke this vow, the punishment was severe—being buried alive. This shows that while Roman society was sexually liberal in many respects, it also imposed strict boundaries in certain areas.
In summary, the frequency of sexual activity in ancient Rome depended largely on one’s social status and lifestyle. The elite probably enjoyed it more often due to their leisurely lives, while the working class had to fit it around their demanding routines. With public baths, parties, and a generally relaxed attitude towards sex, the Romans certainly didn’t shy away from it.
Cheers to the Romans, who managed to blend work and pleasure in ways that still intrigue us today!
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August 20, 2024 at 2:13 PM #71660
lol this is weird.
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