Previous (Classical Antiquity)
2. Pompeii (and Herculaneum)
The destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum by the eruption of Vesuvius (on August 24, 79 CE) froze a moment in Roman time, protecting it from Christian censors and preserving for us relics of a richly erotic culture. The penis, often erect but often still strikingly posthetic ("beforeskinned"), was a centre of attention - the close-ups are hardly necessary.
This humorously phallic gilded bronze image of a "placentarius" (cake-seller) holds a dish for sauces. He was still packed in his box in the House of the Ephebe at the time of the eruption. | |
 |  The folding in the inner margin of his foreskin is accurate. |
Artistic depictions of erections follow.
|  The lower margin of this handsome figure's foreskin projects forward as they do in life, but more so, much like a teapot and perhaps for the same reason, to prevent drips, because here it serves as a fountain. House of the Vetii |
 The fertility god Priapus (who can also be identifed by his basket of fruit) weighs his penis. As Friedman observes, his penis is literally "worth its weight in gold". |
House of the Vetii
This tripod, formed of three young satyrs, supports a basin. | |
|  Though their penises are erect, their foreskins are not at all retracted - this is seldom seen in life. |
All items are in
the National Museum of Naples
 | |
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| This reclining athlete from the Villa dei Papiri has the classically ideal, small penis but a long foreskin and an acroposthion.
replica at the Getty Villa | |
 | |
 | This drunken satyr with a wineskin from the Villa dei Papiri has a more adult-sized penis and pubic hair, but again a distinct acroposthion.
replica at the Getty Villa |
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