Naples museum exposes public
to ancient erotica

as it appeared on CNN.com, 1 August 2000

Archaeologists say erotic art was commonplace during ancient Roman times — in bedrooms, gardens and dining rooms. NAPLES, Italy (CNN) — It was hidden in storerooms for years, deemed far too risque for public display.

Now a collection of ancient erotic art is out in the open at Naples' National Museum of Archaeology — proof that times have changed and that people aren't as easily shocked.

Even though some of the pieces are 2,000 years old, they are remarkably graphic. And that's not deterring museumgoers.

"Thousands of people have come since we opened this exhibit in April," museum guide Arianna Vernillo said. "People are really interested."

The erotic art was discovered in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, which was entombed by volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. and was excavated in the 1700s.

Rome Bureau Chief Gayle Young tours the erotic art exhibit in Naples - Play QuickTime Video

See more of the artworks. Warning - images are sexually explicit.



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