Interesting facts about Pompeii

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Subject: Interesting facts about Pompeii

Posted by: ElusiveDream
Date: Dec 16 16

Please share with us all the interesting things you've learnt about the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.

For those of you who've been lucky enough to visit Pompeii, feel free to tell us about your experience.

31 replies. On page 2 of 2 pages. 1 2

ElusiveDream

It's possible that sexual relations between a master and one of his slaves may have been frowned upon but how many people actually complained about it?

It seems that the ancient Romans were afraid of public displays of sexuality. Among the many things found in Pompeii are statues depicting various Roman gods and goddesses including Priapus, the Roman god of lust and male fertility. When viewing statues of this particular god, one thing that definitely can't be missed is his exceptionally large penis. In fact, when the King of Naples visited a Pompeii exhibition with his family in 1819, he was so embarrassed by the erotic artwork that he ordered it to be locked away and only viewed by mature adults.

Reply #21. Dec 21 16, 7:50 PM

C30

I doubt any complaints by the slaves carried much weight!

Talking of which, memory might be a bit suspect 53 years on, but I seem to recall a mural depicting having his "pride and joy" measured and weighed at the Brothel. Apparently it was literally "worth it's weight in gold", as the price charged for "services rendered" varied depending upon results of the scales.

So maybe if well endowed and "financially embarrassed" one had to make do with slaves.....Lol

Reply #22. Dec 22 16, 1:34 AM

ElusiveDream

Oops, what I meant to say is that it seems the ancient Romans WEREN'T afraid of public displays of sexuality.

Reply #23. Dec 22 16, 2:23 AM

Mixamatosis

I think slaves would be considered part of the "household" rather than part of the family, Daver. They definitely did not have the same status as a family member. They had no rights and if someone in the family was being investigated for a crime, it was routine, even expected, that their slaves would be tortured as part of the investigation.

Reply #24. Dec 22 16, 4:22 AM

ElusiveDream

One thing we know about daily life is that bread was an important part of the diet. It's thought Pompeiians ate bread with every meal. A typical loaf was round and cut into eight wedge-shaped pieces. How do we know what the bread looked like? In one of the many bakeries, roughly 80 carbonised loaves were found. In their haste to leave after Vesuvius erupted, the bakers left all the bread to burn in the ovens.

Reply #25. Dec 24 16, 5:41 AM

13LuckyLady

I recall seeing two vases in a picture. One was smashed to bits. The other...no damage.

Reply #26. Dec 24 16, 6:48 AM

ElusiveDream

Here's something interesting: Poppaea Sabina the Younger, second wife of Emperor Nero, was born in Pompeii.

Reply #27. Dec 25 16, 7:25 PM

terraorca

Has anyone read the historical novel by Robert Harris titled "Pompeii?" It was very enjoyable and educational as well.

Reply #28. Jan 16 18, 10:43 PM

ElusiveDream

For a long time, it was believed that the eruption happened on August 24th. However, just last month, Italian archaeologists uncovered an inscription dated October 17th, indicating that the eruption took place two months later than previously thought.

Reply #29. Nov 27 18, 11:25 PM

rubytops

I went to Pompeii some years back. I probably loved the Fresco's.

Reply #30. Dec 22 18, 3:40 PM

terraorca

I guess no one has read it.

Reply #31. Dec 22 18, 10:13 PM

31 replies. On page 2 of 2 pages. 1 2

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