Research Paper on:
Prostitution in Pompeii's Baths

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
practice of prostitution took place within the citys numerous public baths. This debate stems from the fact that archeologists, working in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, have unearthed numerous  erotic frescoes, which have been buried under volcanic ash for the last 2000 years. Seven erotic frescoes, depicting a great deal of sexual activity involving numerous partners (which includes perhaps  the only lesbian scene in Pompeii), were revealed and opened for viewing by the public in 2001 ("Erotic frescoes"). These frescoes were discovered in one of Pompeiis bath houses. Therefore,  it has added fuel to the fire of scholarly debate concerning the precise nature of prostitution as practiced in ancient Pompeii. There is considerable difference opinion as to how  many brothels existed in the city and where they were located, as well as whether or not prostitution took place within the baths. Antonio Varon, of the Pompeii archeological heritage  has pointed out the presence of erotic frescoes within the baths does not necessarily indicate that prostitution took place at this location. He states, "There is no element that would  make one think that the upper floor of the Subterranean Spa was a brothel" ("Erotic frescoes"). While eroticism is directly associated in Western culture with prostitution, this may have not  been true of Pompeii. This conclusion is substantiated by the fact that erotic arts has also been found in residential areas. In addition to the erotic frescoes found  in many buildings, archeologists have also unearthed erotic art in private homes. This suggests a cultural freedom and acceptance of sexuality that predates the sexual repression of the Christian era.  It was not until the Christian era that sexuality was viewed as "evil" or "sinful" and, therefore, something that should be repressed and relegated to specific areas of the city