Pompeii Erotic Art

The ancient city of Pompeii is not only famous for the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that buried it in ashes but also for its erotic art. The art found in the ruins speaks of a fascinating and liberal society that embraced sexuality and pleasures of life. Dive into the world of sensuality, luxury, and decadence as we explore the astonishing world of Pompeii erotic art.

A Landmark of Eroticism in Ancient Rome

Historical Background

Pompeii was a thriving Roman city near present-day Naples, Italy. It was abruptly obliterated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, preserving the city and its everyday life under layers of volcanic ash. It was rediscovered in the 18th century, and ever since then, archeologists have been unearthing astonishing artifacts that narrate the story of its inhabitants.

The Significance of Erotic Art in Pompeii

Erotic art in Pompeii played a crucial role in society, as it was not confined to brothels or hidden in private quarters. Instead, it was omnipresent – adorning public baths, temples, and even street signs. These sensual works of art revealed more than just the carnal desires of the people of Pompeii; they demonstrated how sex was celebrated as a vital life force, a source of pleasure, and a vivid expression of fertility.

Major Findings of Pompeii Erotic Art

• The Lupanar: The most famous brothel in Pompeii, known as the Lupanar, displayed erotic frescoes on its walls. These frescoes depicted different sexual positions and acts, serving as a "menu" for the customers to choose their desired form of pleasure.
• Phallic Symbols: Phallic symbols were ubiquitous in the city, carved on walls, pavements, and even as wind chimes. They were considered as good luck charms, providing protection and fertility to the households and businesses.
• The House of the Vettii: This luxurious house belonged to two wealthy brothers, and it featured an extensive collection of sensual frescoes, depicting scenes from mythology and daily life. The art conveyed eroticism with a touch of humor and fantasy, highlighting the playful and uninhibited attitude of the citizens towards sex.
• The Villa of Mysteries: Located outside the city walls, this opulent villa contained a series of enigmatic frescoes in one of its rooms, portraying what is believed to be an initiation ritual into the cult of Dionysus. The images display women participating in erotic acts, embodying the Dionysian principles of ecstasy, liberation, and transgression.

Controversy and Censorship

The sensual depictions of Pompeii's inhabitants shocked the conservative minds of the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of the erotic artifacts were removed and hidden in secret cabinets, accessible only to select scholars with proper credentials. These artworks remained veiled for centuries, but nowadays, they are on display at the Naples National Archaeological Museum, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of an ancient society that reveled in the joys of life and love.

Pompeii Erotic Art Example:

The erotic art of Pompeii serves as an eye-opening insight into the open-mindedness, passion, and joie de vivre of the ancient Romans. As we continue to uncover the mysteries of this enthralling city, we are reminded of the universal qualities that connect us all through the centuries: the pursuit of love, pleasure, and self-expression. If this article has piqued your interest, feel free to share it with your friends and explore the enticing world of erotic art even further on Filthy Adult. Be sure to check our comprehensive selection of guides and tantalizing products in our fetish shop, and let the sensual arts of the past inspire your intimate experiences in the present.