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A famous collection of ancient Roman erotica closed to the public for many years is to go on view at the Naples Archaeological Museum next month.
There are about 300 erotic objects and wall paintings in the collection, which was started by the Kings of Naples during the 18th Century.
No go area |
King Francis I barred all but "mature persons whose impeccable morals are well-known" in 1819
Garibaldi threw the doors open in 1861
But WWII fascist dictator Mussolini banned the public
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Later kings collected phallic objects dug up by archaeologists and put them in their private museum.
One of the most famous pieces in the royal collection is a small statue of the God Pan copulating with a goat.
Other items include erotic wall paintings, which decorated not only the many brothels in the ancient city of Pompeii, but also private houses.
Attitudes towards sex in Roman times were relaxed, to say the least.
There were as many brothels in Pompeii as there were bakeries. The rates that prostitutes charged were openly displayed outside.
Depictions of male genitalia were considered to be good luck charms.
Raising hackles
The history of the Naples collection is of a succession of openings and closings to the public.
The collection was briefly on public display during the 1848 Naples Revolution, and then again later in the 19th Century under Giuseppe Garibaldi.
But Italy's new Royal House of Savoy was as prudish as the Bourbons had been, and they locked the 300 pieces of erotica away.
The Catholic Church also supported the closure of the collection to the public.
Old attitudes die hard, and the church tried to stop next month's official reopening.
But the museum authorities are adamant.
The ancient art that Italians are now calling The Red Light Collection will go on public show during April even to children - but under-12s will only be admitted with the agreement of their parents or teacher.
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