December 8, 2017 ▸ Places

Episode 256: Ancient Rome: Sex, War, and Water

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On this episode of The Sofa King Podcast, we take a look back in time and explore the world of the Ancient Roman Empire. Though this was not the largest empire in history of the Earth, it is undoubtedly the most important one to Western civilization. The inventions that were dreamed up in ancient Rome are the basis for most of the technology that runs our society today: running water, sophisticated architecture, highways, literature, advanced laws, and advanced medicine. Some of the construction techniques used in Rome were lost for over 1000 years before science caught back up with them.

Why were they so advanced in ancient Rome? Well, part of it is because of how high their standard of living was. With efficient laws, strong soldiers, running water, and flowing food, the base needs were all met, and people could philosophize, invent, and create. They could also have lots of sex. They were a sexually active culture, not afraid to embrace homosexuality and even infidelity (as long as it was initiated by the men).

Their family units of ancient Rome were run by Paterfamilias, which was a strict adherence to fatherly rule. The father had power to decide of babies lived or died and could even sell members of household into slavery.

We begin this episode with a quick look at random (and pretty bizarre) facts about ancient Rome (from urine to being sewn in a sack with a snake, monkey, dog, and cock). Then, instead of a look at dates, we cover the daily life of Romans, their sex, their inventions, their family, their entertainment. So, what did the crazy ancient emperors do with sex and perversion? How badass was the Roman legion? What was really happening with gladiators in the colosseum? What did Romans do with their own urine? What was an “Analist?” Listen, laugh, learn.