Kiefer Otto. Sexual Life in Ancient Rome

Barnes & Noble, 2003. — 615 p.Romans’ penchant for domination can be found both on the battlefront and in the bedroom. An anthropological masterpiece, Sexual Life in Ancient Rome satisfies all your curiosities about sexual practices in ancient Rome. From the eroticism of gladiator matches to the sexuality of empresses, Kiefer binds sex with power and considers whether the Empire’s sexual excesses led to its fall.Kiefer delves into Roman literature and the arts to uncover the striking differences between our contemporary culture and the Ancient World. He explains that because the Romans envisioned highly erotic gods, sexuality was not considered shameful, as it is by today’s moral codes, which are based in Christianity. A comprehensive work, Sexual Life in Ancient Rome covers issues including excrement, public executions, and slavery.