Revealing the gay lover of the Roman emperor

Recently, British scientists have announced a collection of nearly 25,000 ancient Roman antiquities, in which the most remarkable is a bust depicting a gay lover's face. the emperor, silver dolphin shaped brooch and especially the male penis model made from animal bones .

According to PAS adviser Sally Worrell and archaeologist John Pearce at King London College, this art-intensive artifact dating back to 1,600 to 2,000 years was found across the UK in the year. 2011, within the framework of the 'Antiquities hunting project' (PAS) of the British government.

Found in Essex County, north-east London, the dolphin brooch in gold and silver is one of the rare and unique artifacts. Worrell argued that its origins were more likely to come from the continent of Europe and that people brought to this island in Roman times.'I don't know who its owner is, but I'm sure this is a special type of brooch, no one can see another like that , ' Worrell said.

The statue is said to be a lover of a lover
world of Roman Emperor Hadrian. (Photo: Livescience)

Another artifact is equally unique - a small ring with 90-93% pure gold, discovered in Nottinghamshire, the legendary hometown of Robin Hood. It has a 'small oval gem' in the middle. According to Worrell's speculation, this is an engagement ring symbolizing a high-status person in society. ' The reason for such a precious thing to be buried in Nottinghamshire is still unknown, it could be simply that it was lost or a gift to the gods'.

Besides, the most controversial is an empty bust made of copper alloy depicting a topless young man. Compared to the previously discovered statues, the expert group considered it possible to be Antinous, the homosexual lover of Emperor Hadrian - the Roman ruler from 117 AD to 138 AD. The sexual life of the Romans at this stage was extremely liberal due to the worship of Venus - the god representing love and sexuality. Therefore, Hadrian's homosexual relationship with a Greek man named Antinous is not shy.

However, after Antinous's death during his visit to Egypt in 130, because of his grief, Hadrian sanctified Antinous by ordering the Roman Empire to mourn the young lover, building the city in Egypt. named Antinopolis and cast coins with Antinous shaped.'If this statue is true Antinous, this will be quite interesting evidence of Antinous cult beyond the Mediterranean region', according to John Pearce.

And finally, getting the most attention is the artifacts that represent the erotic art line of ancient Roman residents, which emerged as a male penis model made from animal bones. with wings above. In addition, a copper knife handle depicts the sexual relationship between a man and a woman, which also surprised the experts. Following that, the man lay on the couch, his left hand resting on the left side of the 'partner' , while the woman was in a stance posture, turning around. According to archaeologists, these images are quite common among Roman families.

'Ancient people believe that sexual activity brings spiritual power to help people avoid misfortune,' Pearce speculated.

Male penis model made from animal bones. (Photo: Livescience)

Sexual scene between a man and a woman
female depicted on a knife handle. (Photo: Livescience)