Fin vs History When Britannia Kink-Shamed The Waves | The History of Sex Work (Part 1)
Jan 5, 2026
Explore the intriguing world of sex work and its historical roots. The hosts hilariously argue that the British gave birth to stigma and shame surrounding the oldest profession. From the Epic of Gilgamesh to Mesopotamian sacred sex, they unveil surprising cultural contexts. Tune in for tales of ancient Greece and Rome, complete with vivid frescoes from Pompeii. Hear about the cheeky street names of medieval Britain and the unusual regulations at play. It's a wild ride through history that's both educational and thoroughly entertaining!
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Money Enabled Sex As Trade
- Fin Taylor links the commodification of sex to the establishment of money and Bronze Age civilizations.
- He argues selling sexual favours as a profession arises once currency exists.
Sacred Temple Sex Service
- The hosts discuss Herodotus' account that women were required to sell sex once in their life at the temple of Aphrodite.
- They frame this as a form of conscription and sacred transaction in ancient cultures.
Colonial Kink Shaming
- The hosts claim British colonialism exported sexual shame to cultures that previously tolerated temple or communal sex roles.
- They argue Britain kink-shamed practices like Devadasi and geisha systems during colonization.