House Pompeii
A city frozen in time, where erotic art was both exhibited and censored.
The Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum around the bay of Naples were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, thereby preserving their buildings and artefacts until extensive archaeological excavations began in the 18th century. These digs revealed the cities to be rich in erotic artefacts such as statues, frescoes, and household items decorated with sexual themes. The ubiquity of such imagery and items indicates that the treatment of sexual iconography in ancient Rome was more relaxed than in current Western culture. The creation of erotic art in ancient Rome is thought to have occurred over seven centuries from the first century BCE to the fifth or sixth century CE.
- Leader
- Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus
- Affiliation
- The Senate / Optimates (Later)
- First Appears
- Season 1, Episode 1
- Status
- Dissolved following the leader's death
- Key Allies
- Marcus Licinius Crassus (Initially), Lucius Cornelius Lentulus Crus
- Base of Power
- Rome / The Legions
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Much of what might strike modern viewers as erotic imagery, such as oversized phalluses, could arguably be fertility imagery. Depictions of the phallus, for example, could be used in gardens to encourage the production of fertile plants. This clash of cultures led to many erotic artefacts from Pompeii being locked away from the public for nearly 200 years. In 1819, when King Francis I of Naples visited the Pompeii exhibition at the Naples National Archaeological Museum with his wife and daughter, he was embarrassed by the erotic artwork and ordered it to be locked away in a 'secret cabinet', accessible only to 'people of mature age and respected morals'. Re-opened, closed, re-opened again and then closed again for nearly 100 years, the Secret Museum, Naples was briefly made accessible at the end of the 1960s (the time of the sexual revolution) and was finally re-opened for viewing in 2000. Minors are still only allowed entry to the once-secret cabinet in the presence of a guardian, or with written permission.
In Their Own Story
A wall fresco which depicted Priapus, the god of sex and fertility, with his oversized erection, was covered with plaster (and, as Karl Schefold explains, even the older reproduction below was locked away 'out of prudishness' and only opened on request) and only rediscovered in 1998 due to rainfall. The Romans believed that he was a talisman protecting the riches of the house. A statuette of Priapus in the House of the Vettii in Pompeii is from a small cubicle leading off from the kitchen. It is thought the statue used to be placed in the garden and was used as a fountain. A hole runs through its phallus allowing it to spurt like a fountain. Also in this room where the statue was located were erotic paintings.
Reader's Guide
The Lupanar, a brothel, had many erotic paintings and graffiti inside. The erotic paintings seem to present an idealised vision of sex, at odds with reality. The Lupanar had 10 rooms (cubicula), 5 per floor; a balcony; and a latrina. In 1995, Andrew Wallace-Hadrill determined that the Lupanar possessed three elements characteristic of ancient brothels: raised stone areas that could be used as beds for performing sexual favors, erotic art, and erotic graffiti. The town seems to have been oriented to a warm consideration of sensual matters: on a wall of the Basilica, a piece of graffiti tells the foreigner: 'If anyone is looking for some tender love in this town, keep in mind that here all the girls are very friendly.' Other inscriptions reveal some pricing information for various services: 'Athenais 2 As, Sabina 2 As' (CIL IV, 4150), 'The house slave Logas, 8 As' (CIL IV, 5203) or 'Maritimus licks your vulva for 4 As. He is ready to serve virgins as well.' (CIL IV, 8940). The amounts vary from one to two asses up to several sesterces. In the lower price range, the service was not more expensive than a loaf of bread.
Did You Know?
- The phallus was sculpted in bronze as tintinnabula (wind chimes) and was not seen as threatening or even necessarily erotic, but as a ward against the evil eye.
- A wall fresco of Priapus was covered with plaster and only rediscovered in 1998 due to rainfall.
- The Lupanar had 10 rooms (cubicula) on the ground floor, with a second floor containing additional rooms.
- In the Suburban Baths, there are seven wall paintings of sexual scenes, discovered in 1986.
- Venus was the divine protector of Pompeii, and has appeared in Pompeian artwork at least 197 times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads House Pompeii and what is their background?
The faction is led by Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, a celebrated military commander whose family built its reputation on battlefield glory. He first appears in the series' premiere as a dominant force within the Roman political landscape.
What role does House Pompeii play in Rome's politics?
Functioning through a vast network of clients and allies rather than formal guild rules, the house acts as a powerful political faction aligned with the Senate. Their influence is primarily exerted through control of legions and strategic familial ties across the Republic.
How does the story of House Pompeii conclude?
The family's power structure collapses following the death of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, leading to the dissolution of their unified faction. This downfall marks the end of a dynasty that was ultimately undone by political betrayal and internal strife.
Why is House Pompeii considered important in the series?
They represent one of the most influential noble families during the era of the First Triumvirate, shaping the Republic's destiny through military might. Their eventual fracturing with Julius Caesar serves as a pivotal turning point in the narrative's political conflicts.
Who were the key allies of House Pompeii?
Initially, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus formed a critical alliance with Marcus Licinius Crassus to balance power against other rivals. The house also maintained strong ties with Lucius Cornelius Lentulus Crus and other Optimates within the Senate before their relationships soured.