| Erotic images at Pompeii concentrate on two
things. First, what is usually described as a 'cult' of the phallus - such
symbolism is said to ward off evil but may well have had a more sexual
nature. Very large, erect penises feature on statues and decorations, such
as the man on the right, apparently weighing his oversize penis in a
scale, with a bag, possibly of flour, on the opposite pan.
Secondly, there are some images of couples, men and women and also men with men, engaging in various sexual acts. Most of these images are seldom on show. Until the 1970s only men were ever allowed by the guides to see them. |
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Image in the doorway of the House of the Vetti, Pompeii. |
