Now, scientists are getting down to the dirty work, to learn more about how prostitutes really lived. Archaeologists have been excavating some old brothels to find out whether the business of sex has been the same through the ages. Apparently, some things never change. In particular, studies of brothels from the past century or so reveal how entwined prostitution was with everyday life. From coast to coast, the remains of old brothels show how the working life of prostitutes, complete with lavish feasts and champagne to entertain their clients, often masked sordid conditions of cramped quarters, poor health and poverty.
Few archaeologists say that they specialize in studying houses of ill repute.
Scientists usually stumble across brothels while looking for something more traditional, like an elegant fountain or extension of an ancient road. But once archaeologists have found an old bordello, they can learn about people and places other than just the wealthy and powerful ones described in history's written record. An enticing topic Still, there's a giggle factor to contend with. In Greece and Rome, ancient brothels have become something of a place to nudge and wink at paintings and tales of sexual escapades. Tourists aren't the only ones enticed by such research.