Ancient Rome used to be one of the most pleasure-seeking places and times of all cultures. Emperor Caligula (A.D. 37-51) led a particularly decadent empire. The self-indulgence of this age includes: orgies, feasts, bath houses, as well as many kinds of aphrodisiac potions, foods, perfumes, erotic artwork and more. To best understand and appreciate this debauchery of this era, let's take a walk through a rise and fall of the hedonistic history of Ancient Rome, as well as the ancient aphrodisiacs that this rich culture cultivated.

It is said that the first known settlers of Ancient Rome lived on Palatine Hill in1000 B.C. Rome itself was founded around 753 BC. In 600 B.C. Rome was ruled by the Etruscans. By 509 B.C. the Etruscans were driven out and The Roman Republic was founded. In 300s BC the Romans became aware of Greek philosophies and many Romans came to worship Greek gods and goddesses; however, they gave them Roman names (Thus much Greek and Roman Mythology is identical, but for the names). Rome began to slowly overtake and influence much of civilization.

Here is but a sampling of some of the aphrodisiacs used in Ancient Rome.

Asparagus: This phallic vegetable was highly valued in ancient Rome as a delicacy. It was even considered a food fit for gods. The Ancient Romans as well as many over cultures considered asparagus an aphrodisiac.

Arugula: Arugula has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. The ancient Romans believed in the aphrodisiac powers of arugula. It's also a good source of vitamin A (which improves night vision) and can help digestion.

Bathing: By 3 A.D. Rome became the bathing capital of the world. At its height, thirteen aqueducts supplied ancient Rome with 300 gallons of water per person per day. People by the hundreds would congregate daily at the public watering holes. Some Roman emperors are said to have bathed seven or eight times a day. The massive bathhouses often had sports fields or courts. Bathing could be done in separate rooms for tepid, hot and cold water. There would be space to walk, sit, and socialize. After bathing, the Romans would be oiled and massaged.

Carrots: Carrots also high in vitamin A. Some think they can stimulate the male sex drive. Because of its phallus shape, the carrot has long been associated with sex. There is a story about Emperor Caligula (A.D. 37-51). It is said that he once served every member of the Roman Senate a feast entirely made up of carrot dishes hoping to get them horny and turn it into an orgy.

Feasting: In ancient Rome food and feasting was a big part of socializing. Men ate while slaves fed them. The Feast of Lupercal was thrown to honor the Roman god of fertility. During this feast, it is said that Roman priests would sacrifice a goat and slice the hide into small strips. Young Roman men would then take the strips of hide and dash through the streets of Rome, spanking women with them. This was believed to make the woman more fertile. Thus, the ladies wanted to be slapped, and would wear skimpy clothing, or even go naked, in order to expose as much skin as possible.

Figs: Figs are said to be the original forbidden fruit and are definitely considered an aphrodisiac food. There is an Ancient Roman legend that hints to the Figs part in the founding of Rome. It says that Rome was built on the spot where a Fig tree caught Romulus and Remus as they floated down the river Tiber in a basket.

Nuts: Almonds and walnuts are considered symbols of fertility. In ancient Roman culture, these nuts where used in fertility ceremonies. It is written that the Romans tossed walnuts rather than rice at newlyweds. These nuts are high in zinc which has been known to aid male sexuality

Odd Mythology: In ancient Rome, love and aphrodisiac potions were sold on the streets. Ancient Romans looked for new sexual experiences openly and unashamed. Among the odd ingredients in some of these ancient potions were starfish, sucking fish, human marrow, and even menstrual blood.

Orchids: In Ancient Rome these beautiful flowers were perceived to have aphrodisiac powers. The bulbs of these plants were considered to be a cure for many sexual problems.

Oysters: Oysters have been accepted as an aphrodisiac food as early as the second century. Some Romans believed women were wanton after drinking wine and eating oysters. Many say that oysters resemble sex organs, thus enhancing their sensuality. In Ancient Rome, thousands of slaves were sent to the English Channel to gather oysters for their feasts.

Perfume: Julius Caesar was quoted as saying that perfume sparked the "Fire of Love" in every human. Rich ancient Romans applied perfume three times a day or more. By the 1st century AD, Rome used about 2,800 tons of frankincense and 550 tons of myrrh each year.

Roses: Ancient Roman mythology of the rose is vast. It is said the Flora, the deity of flowers, was walking through the woods when she happened upon the dead body of a lovely nymph. Filled with sorrow, Flora gave the nymph new life as a flower whose beauty surpassed all others. The goddess of love Venus offered the bloom splendor, radiance, rapture and lure. The sun gave her warmth. The god of wine, Bacchus scented her with nectar. When complete she was crowned with dewdrops and was hailed the "Rose, Queen of Flowers". She was given to Venus's young son, Cupid, the deity of love and desire. Roman myth tells that Cupid spilled a vase of sweet nectar, and on that spot, roses grew. Cupid and Venus are also involved in the Roman lore of how the rose got its thorns. The tale follows that Cupid bent to sniff an open rose and was stung by a bee hiding inside. This displeased Venus, and she had Cupid shoot a line of bees with his arrow. Venus took the bees and bound them to the rose plant as thorns. Still, the rose is noted as the favored flower of Venus. Another Roman legend, involving mischievous little Cupid, is that Cupid bribed Harpocrates, the god of silence, with a rose so that he would not tell of his mother's (Aphrodite's), lured affairs. Thus, the rose has come to be a token of silence. In history, rather than mythology, the Romans truly had a passion for roses. Roses decorated ceremonial feasts and Romans often gorged on rose pudding. Rosewater and rose oil flowed through the emperor's fountains. They also perfumed the baths at many of the public bath houses. In public arenas, sun awnings were often saturated with rosewater, so crowds could revel in the scent. People adorned themselves with roses, and used them to decorate their homes; some used rose petals to stuff pillows. Most, if not all, Roman love potions and aphrodisiacs contained roses. Roses were extremely prominent at, the "Bacchanalia," Rome's official orgy. It is said that Rome's Emperor Nero sprayed dinner guests with rose perfume between courses.

Sweat of Gladiators: (link to Pheromone article) Sweat is full of pheromones. Thus, as strange as it seems, it makes perfect sense that ladies would be turned on by the sweat of these Sword Men. Women were said to collect the sweat of gladiators and use it as an aphrodisiac (although, it makes more sense to just have sex with the Gladiator - which must have happened quite a bit). Many gladiators were wealthy and had large social circles, like sports heroes of the modern day. However, the perspiration of the Red Sox is not put into potions. In ancient Rome, Gladiators sweat went into exclusive lotions for wealthy women looking for a turn-on.