The Plague of Lust, Vol. 2 (of 2) Being a History of Venereal Disease in Classical Antiquity

In this richly annotated volume, a 19th‑century scholar delves into the tangled world of venereal disease as it was understood in ancient Greece, Rome, and neighboring cultures. Drawing on classical physicians, legal codes, and literary satire, the work catalogues everything from the terminology of oral and genital practices to the mythic cults of Venus and phallic worship. The translation preserves the original’s dense footnotes, giving listeners a sense of the painstaking research behind each entry.

The text is organized into three main sections: a clinical inventory of ailments, an exploration of hygiene, climate, and social customs, and a reflective discussion on how physicians grappled with shame, observation limits, and treatment strategies. Along the way, listeners encounter vivid excerpts from Hippocratic writings, Lucian’s biting humor, and obscure references to Scythian and Phoenician practices. For anyone curious about how the ancients linked morality, medicine, and sexuality, this volume offers a fascinating, if unflinching, window into their world.