Thessaloniki’s 2,000-year-old brothel

Many objects of value including a clay dildo help archaeologists to better understand prostitution in antiquity

A 2,000-year-old brothel was uncovered in Thessaloniki, Northern Greece in 1997. Those who used the services of the two-story building had direct access to the bathhouse next door that had a circular room and twenty-five bath tubs, heated pools and a round sweating room that resembled a modern sauna. Clearly, the brothel was associated with wellness.

DILDO

Inside the brothel, archaeologists found vases of clay and glass, a large phallus-shaped alabaster bas and jars with penis-like spouts that spurted out water and even a clay dildo. There were even ancient sex aids complete with hand-driven pulsating shafts.

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Dining was also offered at a tavern on a level below and the complex may have been part of a larger building, possibly a gymnasium.

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