What Did Roman Prostitutes Actually Do All Day And More

A clear, non-graphic history deep dive into the real daily routines of Roman prostitutes: where they worked, what they charged, who managed them, and how the law treated them. This episode separates sensational myths from evidence—brothels, bathhouses, street work, slang, price ranges, and the social stigma of infamia. Viewers will learn how licensing by aediles worked, why some women registered as meretrices while others remained prostibulae, and how pimps and madams fixed names, prices, and schedules. The episode also explores health risks, basic contraception practices of the era, pregnancy realities, and the occasional path to manumission for enslaved workers. Archaeological clues from Pompeii’s lupanar, erotic frescoes, door tablets listing names and prices, and graffiti provide a rare window into operations and client flow. Economic context—fees compared to bread or day wages—shows how accessible services were across class lines. Social life and status round out the picture: clothing signals, jewelry, public baths, and why legal barriers made marriage to citizens nearly impossible. Educational focus, historically grounded, and suitable for general audiences without explicit imagery.