HisTOURy: A Walk Through Pompeii’s Ancient Secrets
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Time to read: 7 min
Did ancient Romans love brothels more than leather? In this blog, I’m taking you on a journey back to ancient Rome, to a city frozen in time—Pompeii. This remarkable site offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of people who lived over 2000 years ago, perfectly preserved under a blanket of volcanic ash. But beyond its history, Pompeii reveals a surprising story—one where leather craftsmanship existed alongside one of the world’s oldest professions: brothels.
In this blog, we will answer the following questions:
- What surprising discoveries about ancient Roman life were revealed in Pompeii, especially regarding brothels and leathercraft?
- How did Pompeii’s ancient tannery showcase the importance of leather craftsmanship in Roman society?
- How does Pompeii's preserved history connect to Italy's modern reputation as the leather capital of the world?
DISCLAIMER: This trip was sponsored by the Is It Leather campaign, supported by the leather industry, UNIC, and Lineapelle. The Is It Leather campaign aims to address widespread misconceptions about leather and educate the public on its sustainability, durability, and natural qualities.
Our goal is to remind people of the value of leather as a superior resource and counter false claims made by the plastic industry, which often misrepresents leather’s environmental impact. Through this initiative, we hope to clear the air and promote leather as an eco-friendly alternative that helps reduce plastic pollution.
The Day Pompeii Stood Still
On August 24, 79 CE, Mount Vesuvius erupted, covering Pompeii in layers of ash and pumice. For centuries, the city remained hidden beneath the earth, untouched and preserved until it was rediscovered in the 18th century. Today, walking through the streets of Pompeii feels like stepping into a living museum. You can see grand public buildings, homes dating back to the 4th century BCE, and even bakeries with loaves of bread still in the ovens as if the city were waiting for its citizens to return.
But amidst the ruins of this ancient city, there are two things that stand out in their own peculiar ways: brothels and a tannery.
Brothels: A Glimpse into Roman Pleasures
One of the more surprising aspects of Pompeii is the sheer number of brothels discovered within its boundaries. At least 31 brothels have been unearthed, indicating that the ancient Romans certainly had a preference for this type of business. And unlike today, these establishments were anything but hidden—clear signs pointed to their location, making them a prominent part of daily life.
Inside each brothel, archaeologists discovered paintings and carvings above the rooms, offering something like a "menu" for the services provided. The images were clear, direct, and left little to the imagination. In Pompeii, brothels weren’t taboo—they were simply part of the city's vibrant culture.
@tanner.leatherstein Pompeii had more than just volcanic ash…🧐 Thanks to @isitleather and @lineapellefair for this trip! DISCLAIMER: This trip was sponsored by the Is It Leather campaign, supported by the leather industry, UNIC, and Lineapelle. The Is It Leather campaign aims to address widespread misconceptions about leather and educate the public on its sustainability, durability, and natural qualities. Our goal is to remind people of the value of leather as a superior resource and counter false claims made by the plastic industry, which often misrepresents leather’s environmental impact. Through this initiative, we hope to clear the air and promote leather as an eco-friendly alternative that helps reduce plastic pollution. #historytok #pompeiifacts #isitleather #lineapelle #historytour #tannerleatherstein #ecofriendly ♬ original sound - Tanner Leatherstein
Leathercraft in Pompeii: The Ancient Tannery
While the brothels offer a unique look into Roman pleasures, another discovery truly caught my attention: Pompeii had its very own tannery, a place where raw hides were upcycled into garments, shoes, and crafts. As someone deeply passionate about leather, this ancient tannery felt like a direct link to my own love for the craft. It made me wonder just how old this tradition is—how long have humans been perfecting leatherworking to reach such a level of expertise?
Seeing this tannery in Pompeii, which operated with methods dating back over 2000 years, was a proud moment. It’s a testament to how important leather has been in human civilization. The techniques we use today—soaking, tanning, and crafting—have roots that extend far beyond what we can imagine. The fact that such a tannery existed in a city famous for its pleasures only adds to the fascinating duality of life in ancient Rome.
Brothels or Leather: Which Came First?
As much as the brothels dominate discussions about Pompeii’s social life, the discovery of a tannery suggests that Romans were equally invested in their leather goods. Leather was essential for both everyday life and status in ancient Rome, used in everything from footwear and clothing to armor and harnesses. It was a craft of necessity, prestige, and skill.
So, which did the Romans love more—brothels or leather? It's a difficult comparison. The abundance of brothels shows that pleasure-seeking was an integral part of daily life in Pompeii. But the fact that a tannery operated in such a significant city indicates that leathercraft held its own importance, not only for practical purposes but also for its role in trade and craftsmanship.
A Journey Through Time: Pompeii’s Legacy
If you ever find yourself in Italy, Pompeii is a destination that offers a unique window into the past. Walking through the streets, you’ll experience history in its most tangible form, from ancient brothels that offer an unfiltered glimpse into Roman life, to the tannery that demonstrates the deep roots of leathercraft.
Italy remains the leather capital of the world today, a tradition that has been passed down through generations, still thriving and evolving. The leather industry, with its ancient origins, connects us to the past in a way that few other crafts can. The Romans may have loved their brothels, but they clearly valued their leather too.
So, whether you’re intrigued by the pleasures of the past or the craftsmanship of ancient leatherworkers, a visit to Pompeii is a journey through time you won’t want to miss. And while you’re there, don’t forget to explore Italy’s living leather industry—it’s a story that began thousands of years ago and continues to flourish today.
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About Tanner
Tanner Leatherstein
Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.
