Part 1/5:

The Tangled History of Pornography

From Ancient Erotic Art to the Digital Age

Pornography has a long and complex history, dating back to ancient civilizations around the world. Evidence of erotic art, literature, and even explicit depictions of sex acts can be found in the cultural artifacts of many ancient societies.

In ancient Egypt, the Turin Erotic Papyrus from 1200 BCE featured two-thirds of its scrolls dedicated to graphic sexual imagery. Similarly, the Kama Sutra from ancient India provided detailed illustrations and poetry about lovemaking. The Romans were also known for their extensive erotic art, which they spread throughout their conquests.