In this book, Sarah Levin-Richardson offers the first authoritative examination of Pompeii's purpose-built brothel, the only verifiable brothel from Greco-Roman antiquity. Taking readers on a tour of all of the structure's evidence, including the rarely seen upper floor, she illuminates the subculture housed within its walls. Here, prostitutes could flout the norms of society and proclaim themselves sexual subjects and agents, while servile clients were allowed to act as 'real men'. Prostitutes and clients also exchanged gifts, greetings, jokes, taunts, and praise. Written in a clear, engaging style, and accompanied by an ample illustration program and translations of humorous and haunting graffiti, Levin-Richardson's book will become a new touchstone for those interested in the history of women, slavery, and prostitution in the classical world.

'… richly illustrated (and) accompanied by thoughtful analysis.'

Sarah E. Bond Source: History Today

‘… invites readers to consider the famous Pompeiian brothel in the context of the gender and class of clients and prostitutes, as a window to understanding social hierarchy in the ancient city.’

L. De Danaan Source: Choice

‘If Sarah Levin-Richardson is right that this brothel was an economic anomaly, rather than a representation of common Roman practice, this turns our understanding of ancient prostitution on its head. The Brothel of Pompeii brings home the value of stopping to listen to the unheard voices of the past.’

Rebecca Langlands Source: The Times Literary Supplement

‘With this definitive publication, Levin-Richardson makes a lasting contribution to our knowledge of ancient prostitution and to ancient social history in general.’

Marilyn Skinner Source: CJ Online