Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society Sex Work in Ancient Rome
Jun 6, 2025
Join Anise Strong, an expert in Roman sex work and author of 'Prostitutes and Matrons in the Roman World', as she unravels the fascinating lives of ancient sex workers. Discover the audacious tale of a sex worker involved in a murder plot against Emperor Commodus. Explore the vibrant Floralia festival and its connection to sexuality. Strong also dives into the agency of sex workers amidst societal challenges and reveals the powerful story of Marcia, a courtesan with ties to the emperor, blending intrigue, power, and scandal in ancient Rome.
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Vestilia's Legal Sex Worker Move
- Vestilia, a wealthy Roman woman, registered as a sex worker to legally avoid adultery charges.
- This was a deliberate move to live sexually freely but led to her exile by Emperor Tiberius.
Roman Sex Workers' Legal Rights
- Roman sex workers were legally protected to refuse clients and had rights to self-defense.
- This challenges assumptions that sex workers historically had no power over their work.
Infamia and Sex Workers' Dress
- Roman sex workers were legally marked by the status of infamia meaning bad reputation.
- Laws required them to wear togas symbolizing their public and visible role in society.
