The Scandalous Erotica of Ancient Pompeii

When archaeologists uncovered the ruins of Pompeii, they were shocked to find erotic art decorating everyday household items. Ancient Roman homes were filled with sexual frescoes and statues that we would consider explicit today.

These artifacts were so scandalous that they were kept locked away from the public for over a century. Visitors in the 1800s needed special permission to view these collections, which were hidden in secret rooms to protect Victorian sensibilities. Today, these pieces offer a fascinating look at how ancient Romans viewed sexuality as a normal, public, and even lucky part of daily life. It turns out that Roman decor was far bolder than many modern historians initially expected.