Curtius’ description of Babylon (4)

Text
Quintus Curtius, History of Alexander 5.1.36-38:
Nothing is more corrupt than the habits of that city, nothing more inclined to arouse and attract dissolute desires. Fathers and husbands allow their children and wives to prostitute themselves to their guests, provided a price is paid for their shame. Convivial festivals throughout all Persia are dear to the kings and their courtiers; but the Babylonians in particular are lavishly devoted to wine and the concomitants of drunkenness. The women who take part in these feasts are in the beginning modestly attired, then they take off their outer garments one by one and gradually disgrace their modesty, at last - with due respect to your ears - they throw aside the inmost coverings of their bodies. This shameful conduct is not confined to courtesans, but is practiced by matrons and maidens, with whom the baseness of prostitution is regarded as courtesy.

Source (list of abbreviations) (source links will open in a new browser window)
Quintus Curtius, History of Alexander 5.1.36-38

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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