Irrumatio

Irrumatio is a sexual practice often depicted in Ancient Roman erotic art and literature. The term is derived from the Latin word irrumare, which means 'to force one to perform fellatio'. It is a form of oral sex where a man thrusts his penis into someone else's mouth, as opposed to the more common practice of fellatio where the person performing the act uses their own movements.

History

Roman society had a complex and nuanced view of sexuality and sexual practices. Irrumatio was often depicted in Roman erotic art, known as Pompeiian murals, and was a common theme in Roman sexual poetry, particularly the works of Catullus and Martial. It was considered a dominant act, asserting the man's authority and power.

In Literature

In Roman sexual poetry, irrumatio is often used as a term of insult. The poet Catullus famously used it in his invective against his contemporary, the poet Furius. In his Carmen 16, Catullus threatens both Furius and Aurelius with irrumatio and pedicatio, another sexual act, as a response to their insinuations about the effeminacy and passivity implied by his love poetry.

Modern Usage

In modern times, the term irrumatio has been used in a variety of contexts, often to describe certain acts in pornography. It is also used in academic discussions of ancient Roman sexual practices and gender dynamics.

See Also

• Fellatio
• Sexuality in ancient Rome
• Erotic art in Pompeii and Herculaneum
• Catullus
• Martial

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