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cover of episode Sex Work in Ancient Rome
People
A
Anise Strong
K
Kate Lister
Topics
Kate Lister: 作为主持人，我介绍了本期节目的主题，即探讨古罗马的性工作。我强调了节目的成人性质，并预告了我们将深入了解古罗马性交易的各个方面，包括妓院的内部运作、性奴隶的处境以及性工作者的社会地位。我希望通过与专家的对话，揭示古罗马社会对性工作的复杂态度。 Anise Strong: 作为罗马性工作研究的专家，我分享了我研究的起源，即对 Vestilia 故事的兴趣。Vestilia 是一位富有的女性，她通过注册成为性工作者来规避通奸指控。我解释了古罗马性工作的法律框架，包括对性工作者的保护和限制。我强调了性工作者在社会中的地位，以及基督教的兴起对性工作的影响。我希望通过我的研究，挑战人们对古罗马性工作的刻板印象，并揭示其复杂性和多样性。

Deep Dive

Chapters
This chapter explores the legal framework surrounding sex work in ancient Rome, including laws, taxes, and surprisingly, some protections afforded to sex workers. It highlights a case where a sex worker successfully defended herself against charges of assault, demonstrating a degree of legal recourse.
  • Laws existed but didn't always reflect reality
  • Sex workers were heavily taxed, suggesting profitability
  • Legal protections included the right to refuse clients and self-defense
  • Infamia - a legal status that impacted testimony and social standing

Shownotes Transcript

What did it look like inside a Roman brothel? Who was the sex worker involved in a murder plot to kill an Emperor? And why was the Pope getting sex workers to race chariots?!

In this first episode of our brand new limited-series on sex work through history, Kate is joined by Professor Anise Strong, who takes us back to meet some of the amazing sex workers from Ancient Rome, including one who was involved in a murder plot to kill Emperor Commodus.

This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

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All music from Epidemic Sounds.

Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.