Sex in the Ancient World

The oldest known brothel in the world is discovered in Pompeii. A startling system is revealed that includes widespread prostitution and sexual slavery. Experts piece together the elaborate system and show how the sex trade helped reinforce class and power in Ancient Rome.

A graphic 3,000-year-old papyrus is discovered that seems pornographic. Is it a message to the Gods, part of a fertility ritual, or simply evidence of erotica? Experts decode the evidence to reveal its true meaning, shedding a new light on the everyday lives of Ancient Egyptians.