In case you have never heard of or seen the television show "Spartacus," it is a graphically violent television show about gladiators in ancient Rome. While the show is certainly entertaining, as it is supposed to be, one is struck by all the sexual activity that is contained within the 50 minutes or so that the episode lasts. At the beginning of each episode, there is a disclaimer, warning that the show depicts ancient Roman society, and therefore, contains graphic sex and violence. Although a historian would be a better judge of how accurately ancient Roman society is portrayed, it is interesting that the creators of the show chose to make the people of ancient Rome appear so sex-crazed. Is that really what ancient Roman society was like? Are we expressing our own innate desires of what we want ancient Roman to have been like?
What's Sex Got to do With... Spartacus?
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You bring up an interesting point. I have seen the show as well, and like you I found it entertaining. And it does have a lot more violence, nudity and sex than you would find in any other late-night shows. Every episode features semi-naked women, and toplessness is commonplace. I an understand the creators' claim about authenticity and that the concept of attire and hedonism was different back then, but I feel that they are exploiting the viewers by also claiming that this is a depiction of the Roman society. There was a lot more to the Roman empire than just orgies and gladiatorial fights. For example, there is little mention of the senate and the political organisation, or everyday life of people.
The story of Spartacus can be told in several ways, but the producers have chosen a way that is salacious and aims to shock. You can see this in the way blood is highlighted using computer effects. In the end, I think that the show is more a reflection of our current society's hidden desires and lusts rather than that of ancient Rome.