Roman sexuality (Lesson 13)

Question 1

What is Gabinetto Segreto?

Answer 1

Secret museum only for scholars with obscene pieces.

Question 2

Apotropaic function meaning?

Answer 2

Turned away evil

Question 3

What was the superstition on the Evil eye?

Answer 3

The Evil eye contained spirits that could attack people at random and cause them harm. This could be cast away with the help of apotropaic imagery.

Question 4

What was the phallus?

Answer 4

An apotropaic device (male genitalia) to attract and redirect the gaze of the evil eye. Located in places most at risk. Male genitalia was picked because of the primacy of men in the Roman world.

Question 5

What was the fascinus?

Answer 5

Amulets and chimes in the shape of phallus.

Question 6

Why was laughter powerful?

Answer 6

Roman believed that laughter could drive away the Evil eye. This is also why humurous sexual scenes were depicted publicly and in private. Famous example is the fresco of Priapus.