L. J. Trafford

From Emperors and empresses, poets and prostitutes, slaves and plebs, Ancient Rome was a wealth of different experiences and expectations. None more so than around the subject of sex and sexuality. The image of Ancient Rome that has come down to us is one of sexual excess: emperors gripped by perversion partaking in pleasure with whomever and whatever they fancied during week long orgies. But how true are these tales of depravity? Was it really a sexual free for all? What were the laws surrounding sexual engagement? How did these vary according to gender and class? And what happened to those who transgressed the rules? We invite you to climb into bed with the Romans to discover some very odd contraceptive devices, gather top tips on how to attract a partner and learn why you should avoid poets as lovers at all costs. Along the way we'll stumble across potions and spells, emperors and their favourites and some truly eye-popping interior decor choices.

Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome

While Emperor Nero plays with his new water organ and a cross-dressing eunuch, his wily secretary Epaphroditus manages the governance issues. However, times are changing. Praetorian Prefect Nymphidius Sabinus, a man so straight he'd make a decent spirit level, is disgusted by the moral degeneracy of Nero's court. Motivated by the traditional Roman values of valor and nobility, and with a stack of mother issues to rival Nero's, Sabinus is determined to remove the Emperor from a throne he does not deserve. Blinded by his own righteousness, Sabinus is ignorant of what he has unleashed -- The Year of the Four Emperors! Palatine is the first in a four-book series examining The Year of the Four Emperors from multiple character viewpoints.

The Four Emperors Series

Palatine

Rome 68 AD. Slaughtering hundreds of civilians at the gates of Rome is hardly the best introduction for new Emperor Galba to his city. However the aged ruler is determined to get on with clearing up the mess Nero left. Assisting him are his three men: Vinius, Laco and Icelus. Also in his entourage one Marcus Salvius Otho. Jovial, charming and fatally reckless Otho is armed with a killer idea: Wouldn't it be marvellous if the childless Galba adopted him as his heir? Appointing old pal Epaphroditus as his campaign manager, Otho sets about winning hearts and minds in his own unique cheery way. For Epaphroditus it is a harmless way of enlivening his post Nero retirement; either Galba makes Otho his heir, or he doesn't. What could possibly go wrong? For once the former Palace manipulator has fatally miscalculated. These are paranoid times and Otho's 'harmless' plan is about to bring Rome to its knees.

L. J. Trafford

About

Books

Join the club