Women of the Wolf Den: Sex Workers of Pompeii (With Elodie Harper)
Sep 30, 2021
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Elodie Harper, author of 'The Wolf Den,' discusses the lives of sex workers in Pompeii's infamous Lupanar. The podcast explores the realities of sex work, the tightly-knit community in the brothel, and the significance of graffiti found there. It also touches on the roles of other sex workers in ancient Rome and the festival dedicated to Venus and Jupiter.
The novel 'The Wolf Den' portrays sex workers in Pompeii as multidimensional individuals, challenging stereotypes and exploring their relationships and personal experiences.
Graffiti found in Pompeii provides insights into the attitudes and experiences of its inhabitants, challenging assumptions about sexuality in ancient Roman society.
The festival dedicated to Venus celebrates sex workers and wine in Pompeii, highlighting their experience within a stigmatized community and the significance of the local interpretation of the goddess.
Deep dives
Reimagining the Lives of Sex Workers in Ancient Pompeii
The podcast episode delves into the topic of the ancient sex trade, particularly in Pompeii. The guest, Elodie Harper, discusses her best-selling book, 'The Wolf Den,' which explores the lives of sex workers in the Lupanar, a famous brothel in Pompeii. The focus of the book was to portray sex workers as multidimensional individuals, going beyond the stereotypes and exploring other aspects of their lives, such as relationships, hopes, and personal experiences. Harper discusses the research and inspiration behind the book, emphasizing the importance of avoiding clichéd narratives and authentically representing the women who worked in these establishments.
Graffiti and the Everyday Life of Pompeii
The episode also highlights the significance of graffiti found in Pompeii as a window into the daily lives and expressions of its inhabitants. The discussion explores the prevalence of sexual graffiti and the diverse interpretations of its meaning. The graffiti provides glimpses into the attitudes and experiences of people from different social backgrounds, challenging assumptions about sexuality in ancient Roman society. The podcast touches on the nature of these inscriptions, ranging from humorous and poetic exchanges to declarations of love, arguments, insults, and even political slander. The relevance and authenticity of the graffiti, whether they represent social media of its time or not, are deliberated and considered in the context of understanding life in ancient Pompeii.
Venus and the Festival of Sex Workers in Pompeii
Another topic of discussion is the festival dedicated to Venus, which appears to celebrate sex workers and wine. The podcast examines the significance of this festival for the women working in the Lupanar and their experience within a community that is stigmatized by society. Additionally, the episode explores the unique role of Venus as the patron goddess of Pompeii and the various depictions of the goddess in art and worship. The conversation sheds light on the differences between the Pompeian Venus and the broader concept of Venus/Aphrodite in Roman and Greek mythology, highlighting the local interpretation of the goddess and the significance of her presence in the daily lives and cultural practices of Pompeii.
The Story of Robert Barker and the King James Bible
Robert Barker, a renowned book printer, achieved fame and success by printing the King James Bible in 1611. However, his reputation took a downward turn when he reprinted the Bible in 1631 and accidentally missed a word. This mistake resulted in the loss of his license, fines, and imprisonment. This anecdote serves as an example of the consequences that can arise from simple errors in publishing.
Exploring the Lives of Enslaved Women in Ancient Rome
The podcast episode delved into the lives of enslaved women in ancient Rome, particularly those working in brothels. It emphasized the importance of recognizing the strong sense of sisterhood and community that developed among these women, despite their challenging circumstances. The discussion also touched on the legal and social constraints faced by enslaved people, including the lack of recognition for familial ties. By presenting the experiences and relationships of these women, the episode aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of their lives beyond the stereotypes and stigma associated with sex work.
The Lupanar, or “Wolf Den,” is the infamous brothel of Pompeii. Elodie Harper’s bestselling novel follows the lives of the sex workers who lived and worked there—their passions, their heartbreaks, and the tightly-knit community they built for themselves.
Today, we’ve invited Elodie on the show to talk about the realities of sex workers’ lives in the Wolf Den—and how sex work was practiced in Pompeii near the time of the Vesuvius eruption.
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