Lupanar

Located in the eastern part of Pompeii, not far from the Forum, the Lupanar provides a window into the private lives of the Ancient Romans. The name "lupanar" comes from the Latin word "lupa" (she-wolf), which was Roman slang for a prostitute. The building is a relatively small two-story structure with five rooms on the ground floor and five on the upper floor. The ground floor rooms are tiny stone cells, each with a stone bed covered with a mattress, and a door but no window, whereas the upper floor rooms are slightly larger, likely reserved for higher-class prostitutes or perhaps for the use of wealthier clients.

One of the most famous aspects of the Lupanar is its explicit erotic frescoes painted above each doorway. These paintings depicted various sexual acts and positions, and are believed to have served as a kind of "menu" for services offered. The frescoes are remarkably well-preserved and quite graphic by any standard. The walls throughout the building are also covered with graffiti. Over 120 inscriptions have been identified, many from clients boasting about their experiences. These inscriptions provide fascinating insights into the realities of Roman sexual culture