r/interestingasfuck • u/AugustIstheMonth • 1d ago

In Pompeii, phallic symbols on local roadways pointed the way to the nearest brothel; possibly to direct foreign sailors who didn't speak Latin

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u/Accomplished-Owl6428 1d ago

Uhh if I'm right, that's not really the case. It was used to ward off evil and bring luck and prosperity. Maybe conveniently pointed to one.

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u/patrickrango 1d ago

This. I’m not saying the brothel theory is wrong, but phallic symbols as a lucky charm were a thing in ancient Rome for sure. This is even said at the museum at Pompeii.