Sexual life in ancient Rome

In: Kegan Paul library of sexual life

Abstract

The psychological basis of the Roman Empire was a ruthless, frequently sadistic 'will to power'. This impulse is highly manifest in Ancient Roman attitudes towards sex. After describing women's position in Roman society, Otto Kiefer skillfully surveys the crypto-sexual satisfaction derived by Romans from a range of activities: the sadistic treatment of slaves, savage public executions involving crucifixion and the mauling of naked, unarmed prisoners by wild beasts, and almost incredible mass-gladiatorial combats. The strong sexual element in Roman religion receives attention, as do the vary.