Wall paintings revealed activity in ancient brothels in Italy

The Lupanar brothel in Pompeii, Italy kept many frescoes of prostitution and the inscriptions left by customers and prostitutes 2,000 years ago.

The Lupanar brothel in Italy's ancient city of Pompeii is adorned with paintings illustrating male and female poses , according to CBC. This was the recreation place of many wealthy merchants and politicians before Pompeii was buried after the volcanic eruption in 79.

Lapanar is the center of the "red light" street in Pompeii. This ancient brothel was discovered in the 19th century and opened to the public since October 2006. Selling sex in brothels is not just for prostitutes. Men, especially young slaves, sell themselves to both men and women.

A corner of the wall inside Lupanar brothel.(Photo: Splash News).

Kelly Olson, a professor at Western University, Canada, came to Pompeii last month according to CBC's "The Nature of Things" program to study the role of women in Roman society and describe public sexuality in many frescoes and sculptures.

"This is not a good place to work. It is very small, wet with dark and inconvenient rooms. Married men can sleep with anyone except their other wives. Married women it is not allowed to have sex with other people, ' Professor Olson commented on the ancient Pompeii brothel.

Researchers believe that murals depicting scenes of relationships can indicate prostitute services provided. According to historians, murals in Lupanar are not merely decorative. They are a detailed list of typical sex work in each room.

2,000 years ago, prostitution was a legal activity in Pompeii. Slaves belonging to both sexes from Greece and the countries under the Roman Empire dominate the work mainly in brothels. Unlike many contemporary brothels, Lupanar's only function is to serve sex work.

The walls of this brothel were carved with the impression left by customers and whores. The researchers found a total of 120 inscriptions. On the top floor of the brothel there are 5 rooms, each with a balcony, where prostitutes invite potential customers on the street.