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Sex was definitely not defined as today. It was regarded to be normal practice in Roman life, even if it was conducted outside marriage. It was not even meant to create some kind of bonding between the perpetrators, I guess. Homosexuality was also interesting, as it gradually developed into something 'normal' within the Empire. There were times when it was banned, e.g. the issuance of a law called Lex Scantinia (around 200 BC), which outlawed among others same-sex practices and of course, the Christian era.
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Since most marriages were contracted for by the heads of the family, sex was mostly a tool for creating progeny. Sex for fun, was usually pursued outside of the home. Prostitutes were a part of daily life.
Homosexuality was acceptable as long as Rome still treasured the strong Greek influence in their culture and as long as those who were married produced sons and daughters. All else was acceptable.
The Grass Crown by Colleen McCullough which describes the rise of Sulla best illuminates the sexual practices of, at least, the upper classes.
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Susanna - Censored by GoodReads, Crazy Cat Lady
(last edited Apr 09, 2010 11:15AM)
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I have already gotten through such topics as one-way streets, the "Four Styles problem," how do we know a brothel when we see one, and the question of the population (estimates range from 6400 to 30,000 - that's quite a range) and if the area was self-supporting in food or not. Among many others.
Susanna wrote: "...how do we know a brothel when we see one..."Are there copies of those frescoes (from the Golden House, I think it was) in the book? If it aint a brothel, it's the next best thing... and I don't shock very easily!
ETA: it wasn't called the Golden House... I can't remember if it even had a name, but the frescoes are very graphic... I was travelling with a group of American/Canadian college students too. *squirm*
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There are some rather "frisky" pictures, yes.
I meant the brothel there in Pompeii, not Nero's place in Rome... I was confusing the names.
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Speaking about sex, there is something interesting about Hadrian. He contentiously showed off his (male Greek) lover, Antinous everywhere, and he even brought this Antinous everywhere during his travels across the Empire, with his wife as part of the entourage. When Antinous died drowning in the Nile, Hadrian erected temples for his honor, and deified him as well.As far as I know, even if the previous Emperors had had their share of same-sex lovers, they never showed it in public unlike Hadrian, I presume?
It was because Romans thought homosexuality was Greek culture (And Hadrian was an avid fan of Greek culture).
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Sometimes, I think, the Romans were as conflicted about homosexuality as we are now.
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Interesting speculation. Would fit with the idea of Roman Men as macho types.
History: Actual, Fictional and Legendary
Books mentioned in this topic
The Grass Crown (other topics)Roman Life: 100 BC to AD 200 (other topics)
The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found (other topics)
A Day in the Life of Ancient Rome (other topics)
Can you imagine what it would be like to live as a Roman Citizen in the days of the early Empire?
During the high point of the Empire, say, during the reign of Antoninus (AD 139 - AD 161)?
During the last 100 years of the Empire?
What was the significance of being a Roman Citizen?
Why did the City of Rome maintain its influence on people's attitudes and behaviors for so long?
What was the significance of the Forum in Roman daily life?
Was the client system a good thing or a bad thing? Why?
How did the role of women change from the days of the Republic to the days of the Empire?
It has been said that without Slaves, Rome could not have maintained its Empire. Do you agree? Disagree? Why? Why not?
What were the drawbacks to the slavery system in Rome?
Did Romans see slavery as any kind of moral or ethical issue? Why? Why not?
Was education of the young a high priority in Imperial Rome? Why? Why not?
The grain dole given to the poor has been accused of undermining Rome's civilization. What do you think?
What is your opinion of the "Vomitorium" and the "Purple Feather" as aspects of upper class feasting?
Imperial Rome had, at its peak, 159 holidays a year during which the famous entertainments of Theater, Chariot Racing, Gladiatorial Combat, Wild Beast Hunts, Sea Battles, and Public Executions took place. In your opinion was all this free entertainment a good thing or not? Why?
How important were immediate Families and gens (clans) to life and prosperity in Imperial Rome.
What was the role of sex and marriage in Roman society?
On balance was Roman Society and civilization strengthened or weakened by the change from Republic to Empire? Why?