MENSTRUATION AND MAMERCUS SCAURUS (SEN. BENEF. 4.31.3)

Some of the most colourful evidence for Roman sexual behaviour, such as Seneca’s charge of cunnilingus and ‘menophilia’ against Mamercus Scaurus, should not be regarded as factual. Seneca applies a longstanding stereotype, directly or indirectly inspired by the tactics of Scaurus’ prosecutors, who possibly exploited a medical treatment Scaurus used.