The economy of prostitution in the Roman world : a study of social history & the brothel / Thomas A.J. McGinn.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McGinn, Thomas A. J.

Contributor:

Michigan Publishing (University of Michigan), publisher.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Prostitution--History--To 1500.

Prostitution.

Prostitution--Economic aspects--Rome.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (377 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Ann Arbor : University of Michigan Press, c2004.

Summary:

In recent years, a number of classical scholars have turned their attention to prostitution in the ancient world. Close examination of the social and legal position of Roman meretrices and Greek hetairai have enriched our understanding of ancient sexual relationships and the status of women in these societies. These studies have focused, however, almost exclusively on the legal and literary evidence.McGinn approaches the issues from a new direction, by studying the physical venues that existed for the sale of sex, in the context of the Roman economy. Combining textual and material evidence, he provides a detailed study of Roman brothels and other venues of venal sex (from imperial palaces and privates houses to taverns, circuses, and back alleys) focusing on their forms, functions, and urban locations.The book covers the central period of Roman history, roughly from 200 B.C. to A.D. 250. It will especially interest social and legal historians of the ancient world, and students of gender, sexuality, and the family.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

List of Illustrations

Abbreviations

1. Urban Renewal

2. Basic Economics

3. Zoning Shame

4. Honor and Erotic Art

5. The Forces of Law and Order

6. The Local Demographics of Venal Sex

7. The Great Pompeian Brothel-Gap

8. The Best of All Possible Brothels

9. The City of Venus

10. Leaving Las Vegas

Appendices

1. A Catalog of Possible Brothels at Pompeii

2. A Catalog of Possible Cribs at Pompeii

3. A Catalog of Possible Prostitutes at Pompeii

Bibliography

Index of Sources

Index of Persons

Index of Subjects.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references (p. 303-332) and indexes.

Description based on information from the publisher.

ISBN:

1-282-55595-2

9786612555954

0-472-02582-1

OCLC:

615639427