Naples museum exposes public to ancient erotica

GALLERY   See more of the artworks Note: Images are sexually explicit Archaeologists say erotic art was commonplace during ancient Roman times -- in bedrooms, gardens and dining rooms

August 1, 2000
Web posted at: 4:16 p.m. EDT (2016 GMT)

From Gayle Young
CNN Correspondent

NAPLES, Italy (CNN) -- It was hidden in storerooms for years, deemed far too risque for public display.

Now a collection of ancient erotic art is out in the open at Naples' National Museum of Archaeology -- proof that times have changed and that people aren't as easily shocked.

Even though some of the pieces are 2,000 years old, they are remarkably graphic. And that's not deterring museumgoers.

"Thousands of people have come since we opened this exhibit in April," museum guide Arianna Vernillo said. "People are really interested."

The erotic art was discovered in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, which was entombed by volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. and was excavated in the 1700s.

VIDEO Rome Bureau Chief Gayle Young tours the erotic art exhibit in Naples Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

Much of the collection was assembled by a Catholic cardinal in the 18th century, but it was for his private viewing pleasure, not for public display.

You might figure these works would have been for private perusal during ancient Roman times as well. You'd be wrong. Archaeologists say erotica was ubiquitous back then: in bedrooms, gardens and -- most popular of all -- the dining room.

A large erection, for example, was considered a sign of prosperity. The image decorated serving trays, made a conveniently sized lamp, even graced front doors. Popular frescoes, meanwhile, showed a pantheon of possible sexual positions.

Historians say many of these works were meant to generate laughs, not lust. And they still get a rise out of people today.

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National Museum of Archaeology in Naples

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