This article was adapted from the original itinerary published on the blog Visit Naples and Amalfi Coast Travel Tips
Life, Lust, and Lies in Ancient Pompeii
You’ve probably heard a lot about Pompeii already: the incredible frescoes, ancient villas, and tragic story of Mount Vesuvius erupting in 79 AD. But there’s another side to Pompeii that most visitors never get to see.
It’s about the raw, gritty, and sometimes unbelievable truths that shaped everyday life in this ancient Roman city. Let me walk you through five unthinkable facts about Pompeii that will completely change how you see this place.
1. Pompeii Was Full of Loan Sharks
Most people think of Pompeii as a peaceful Roman town built on trade and agriculture—but let me tell you, it had its darker corners too. Sure, it was buzzing with commerce, but behind that economic energy was a strong network of usurers—both men and women—who made a living by lending money to those in need and charging outrageously high interest rates.
It wasn’t a rare or shady back-alley activity. It was openly part of life. Need some coin? You could get it. But you’d pay dearly for it later.
2. Elections Were Rigged—Big Time
Think ancient democracy was clean and noble? Think again. The wealthy elite in Pompeii—bankers, business owners, and officials—weren’t shy about manipulating elections. They used their influence to back candidates who would serve their interests, often rigging votes behind closed doors.
Politics in Pompeii wasn’t about representing the people. It was about power, favors, and control.
3. Underground Gambling Was Everywhere
Pompeians loved to gamble—so much that they created underground dens hidden behind shops and in the back rooms of thermopolia, the ancient diners.
Their favorite game? Dice. Sounds innocent, right? But even the dice were sometimes rigged—hollowed out and weighted to land a certain way. Archaeologists have found these loaded dice during excavations. It’s wild to think about a Roman gambler hiding his “lucky” dice, waiting for the right moment to cash in.
4. Sex Work Was Big Business
Here’s something few people talk about openly: Pompeii was home to a booming erotic industry. The lupanariums, or brothels, weren’t in the shadows—they were some of the busiest places in the city.
There were about 25 lupanariums spread around town, but the most well-known was the Lupanar of Victor and Africanus, famous for its erotic frescoes. These paintings weren’t just decoration—they actually illustrated the sexual services on offer.
If you’re imagining something subtle, think again. Pompeiians were pretty direct when it came to pleasure.
5. The Phallus Was a Symbol of Good Luck
Here’s a fact that shocks almost everyone: the phallus was everywhere in Pompeii.
You’d find it on walls, sidewalks, even doorframes, pointing the way to the nearest lupanare. But it wasn’t all about eroticism. In Pompeian culture, the phallus was a powerful symbol of protection, prosperity, and good luck.
Parents would even hang little phallus pendants around their children’s necks as a charm. Some homes had phallic imagery painted right above the main entrance to ward off evil. It’s one of the most common symbols you’ll see if you walk through the ruins.
Ready to See the Real Pompeii?
You won’t find most of these stories in textbooks or travel brochures. That’s why I always recommend visiting Pompeii with a licensed local guide. You’ll still admire the majestic buildings, the colorful frescoes, and the paved Roman roads—but a guide can show you what lies beneath the surface.
You’ll understand the lives, secrets, and habits of the people who lived and died in this remarkable place.
If you want to dig even deeper into Pompeii and chat with locals like me, come join our Facebook community here:
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My Tips
If you’re flying out of Naples, be sure to arrive at Capodichino Airport at least 3 hours before your flight. Trust me—it’ll save you a ton of stress, especially in high season.
Craving local vibes over tourist traps? Read this
