This weekend, hundreds queued for a night of titillation at Pompeii. The ancient Roman city, buried by a volcanic eruption in 79AD, has been the site of many spectacular archaeological finds over a number of centuries, and its erotic art is no exception. In a special after-dark exhibition, the ancient suburban baths staged a special “sound and light” show to display its 16 pornographic frescoes to visitors. Only small, select groups have been allowed to see the artwork during the last decade but now, for the first time since the frescoes were discovered 50 years ago, larger groups of adult visitors are being welcomed for the special evening viewings – which are expected to become a regular feature throughout this summer. Graphic images of orgies, open bisexuality and nude deities were common in Pompeii, but the paintings found at the baths are the most tantalisingly explicit so far. Learn more about Pompeii here.
