Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society Valentine's Day in Ancient Rome
Feb 11, 2025
Emma Southon, a Roman history expert and author of "A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women," takes listeners on a wild journey through the origins of Valentine's Day. She uncovers the fascinating festival of Lupercalia, filled with quirky rituals like public nudity and goat skin whippings. The discussion links these ancient customs to modern-day romance, exploring how Christianity reshaped such chaotic festivities into the love-focused holiday we know today. Southon’s insights reveal the evolution of love and societal norms throughout history.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Lupercalia Origins
- Several historians, including Livy and Plutarch, offered explanations for the Lupercalia.
- One suggests Romulus and Remus, Rome's founders, were involved, either suckled by a wolf in the Lupercalia cave or running around naked.
Lupercalia and Sex Workers
- The Lupercalia likely wasn't related to sex workers, despite the similar-sounding Latin words.
- Sex workers at the time often tried to avoid pregnancy.
Lupercalia's True Origins
- The Lupercalia's origins are likely Roman, not Greek as some historians suggest, possibly stemming from shepherd rituals.
- The focus on fertility likely shifted from livestock to people as Rome grew.
