Roman men controlled every aspect of sexuality during ancient times. They could sleep with anyone they wanted as long as they remained the dominant partner. Women faced harsh restrictions and served mainly to produce children for their husbands.
Marriage laws demanded female chastity but allowed male infidelity. Wives had to ignore their husbands' affairs with other women or young men. Prostitution thrived legally throughout the empire as married and single men visited brothels regularly.
Roman soldiers could legally capture fertile women from conquered territories. These women became wives and surrogate mothers back in Rome. Female infanticide created a shortage of women that required this brutal practice.
Gay relationships between Roman men and their slaves faced no social stigma. Male citizens could penetrate male slaves, prostitutes and entertainers without losing respect. These lower-class men were considered infamia or people without social standing.
Lesbian relationships received little attention from Roman society. Men believed women who loved other women possessed enlarged anatomy to perform penetration. Female sexuality mattered only when it involved male participation.
Roman rulers exercised extreme sexual privileges. Empress Valeria Messalina competed with prostitutes and serviced 25 men in one day. Emperor Nero castrated a male slave to replace his deceased wife.
Marriage laws demanded female chastity but allowed male infidelity. Wives had to ignore their husbands' affairs with other women or young men. Prostitution thrived legally throughout the empire as married and single men visited brothels regularly.
Roman soldiers could legally capture fertile women from conquered territories. These women became wives and surrogate mothers back in Rome. Female infanticide created a shortage of women that required this brutal practice.
Gay relationships between Roman men and their slaves faced no social stigma. Male citizens could penetrate male slaves, prostitutes and entertainers without losing respect. These lower-class men were considered infamia or people without social standing.
Lesbian relationships received little attention from Roman society. Men believed women who loved other women possessed enlarged anatomy to perform penetration. Female sexuality mattered only when it involved male participation.
Roman rulers exercised extreme sexual privileges. Empress Valeria Messalina competed with prostitutes and serviced 25 men in one day. Emperor Nero castrated a male slave to replace his deceased wife.
