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

by Sarah Levin-Richardson

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108752350
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/23/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	37 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Sarah Levin-Richardson is Assistant Professor in the Department of Classics at the University of Washington. Her research has been supported by fellowships from the American Academy in Rome and the Andrew Mellon Foundation. Her co-written article 'Lusty Ladies in the Roman Imaginary' received the Barbara McManus Award for Best Published Paper from the Women's Classical Caucus in 2017.

Table of Contents

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.

Editorial Reviews

'… richly illustrated (and) accompanied by thoughtful analysis.' Sarah E. Bond, History Today

'… invites readers to consider the famous Pompeiian brothel in the context of the gender and class of clients and prostitutes, as a window to understanding social hierarchy in the ancient city.' L. De Danaan, Choice

'If Sarah Levin-Richardson is right that this brothel was an economic anomaly, rather than a representation of common Roman practice, this turns our understanding of ancient prostitution on its head. The Brothel of Pompeii brings home the value of stopping to listen to the unheard voices of the past.' Rebecca Langlands, The Times Literary Supplement

‘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

From the Publisher