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Invisible Chains: Human Trafficking in Antiquity with Florence Felsheim
What did it mean to be bought, sold, and sexually exploited in the ancient world? In this powerful episode of Two Friends Talk History, Zofia is joined by doctoral candidate Florence Felsheim to explore the hidden realities of sexual trafficking in ancient Greece and Rome. Drawing on literary texts, archaeological evidence, and cognitive science, Florence unpacks how systems of enslavement and exploitation operated in societies often romanticized in popular culture.
We examine the scale of the ancient slave trade, the gendered dimensions of exploitation, and how enslaved women were commodified—expected to provide not just labor, but sexual access. From Roman brothels to banquet halls, the episode reveals how normalized sexual violence was embedded in the fabric of ancient daily life.
As part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month, this conversation sheds light on uncomfortable histories, connecting past systems of abuse to present-day conversations on power, consent, and human dignity. Listener discretion is advised.
👉🏼Link: You can read the accompanying blog post HERE.
🛑 If you or someone you know needs support, please see the international resources listed in the show notes.
Join us as we confront the uncomfortable truths of antiquity—and ask: what can the ancient world teach us about exploitation, resilience, and justice today?
To get in touch and find out more about Two Friends Talk History:
Find us on Instagram & Twitter
Support us through Patreon
Buy our merch on Redbubble
Explore more resources and topics about the ancient world on ArchaeoArtist
Music by the wonderfully talented Chris Sharples
Illustration by Zofia Guertin
If you'd like to get in touch, email at [email protected].
🌍 If you or someone you know needs support, here are trusted organizations offering help across the globe:
1. RAINN (USA/global support)
🔗 rainn.org
📞 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
💬 24/7 online chat
2. UN Women – End Violence Against Women
🔗 unwomen.org
3. The Survivors Trust (UK)
🔗 thesurvivorstrust.org
📧 [email protected]
4. Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE Network)
🔗 wave-network.org
5. Child Helpline International (for youth/caregivers)
🔗 childhelplineinternational.org
6. UNFPA – Global Helpline Directory
🔗 Global helpline list
💻 Online & Anonymous Support
8. Lifeline Chat (24/7, anonymous)
🔗 suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
🔐 Tip: Use a VPN or private browser if privacy is a concern. Always contact local emergency services if in immediate danger.
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By An ArchaeoArtist Production
5
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What did it mean to be bought, sold, and sexually exploited in the ancient world? In this powerful episode of Two Friends Talk History, Zofia is joined by doctoral candidate Florence Felsheim to explore the hidden realities of sexual trafficking in ancient Greece and Rome. Drawing on literary texts, archaeological evidence, and cognitive science, Florence unpacks how systems of enslavement and exploitation operated in societies often romanticized in popular culture.
We examine the scale of the ancient slave trade, the gendered dimensions of exploitation, and how enslaved women were commodified—expected to provide not just labor, but sexual access. From Roman brothels to banquet halls, the episode reveals how normalized sexual violence was embedded in the fabric of ancient daily life.
As part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month, this conversation sheds light on uncomfortable histories, connecting past systems of abuse to present-day conversations on power, consent, and human dignity. Listener discretion is advised.
👉🏼Link: You can read the accompanying blog post HERE.
🛑 If you or someone you know needs support, please see the international resources listed in the show notes.
Join us as we confront the uncomfortable truths of antiquity—and ask: what can the ancient world teach us about exploitation, resilience, and justice today?
To get in touch and find out more about Two Friends Talk History:
Find us on Instagram & Twitter
Support us through Patreon
Buy our merch on Redbubble
Explore more resources and topics about the ancient world on ArchaeoArtist
Music by the wonderfully talented Chris Sharples
Illustration by Zofia Guertin
If you'd like to get in touch, email at [email protected].
🌍 If you or someone you know needs support, here are trusted organizations offering help across the globe:
1. RAINN (USA/global support)
🔗 rainn.org
📞 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
💬 24/7 online chat
2. UN Women – End Violence Against Women
🔗 unwomen.org
3. The Survivors Trust (UK)
🔗 thesurvivorstrust.org
📧 [email protected]
4. Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE Network)
🔗 wave-network.org
5. Child Helpline International (for youth/caregivers)
🔗 childhelplineinternational.org
6. UNFPA – Global Helpline Directory
🔗 Global helpline list
💻 Online & Anonymous Support
8. Lifeline Chat (24/7, anonymous)
🔗 suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
🔐 Tip: Use a VPN or private browser if privacy is a concern. Always contact local emergency services if in immediate danger.