By the first century AD, Rome ruled an empire that stretched from Morocco in the West to Iraq in the East, and from Britain in the North to Egypt in the South. Within this territory was the Mediterranean, a 'liquid continent' that facilitated trade and exchange across it, and into which flowed a treasure trove of goods from far flung lands, including slaves, spices, precious stones, and coloured marble, not to mention an exotic array of foods and wine.

By the time of the emperors, the Romans had created the world's first global empire, and had plundered the provinces for produce to be eaten, planted, or displayed as novelties. At the same time, the aesthetic of the city of Rome was being transferred to the provinces, establishing towns with public buildings, baths, and the Latin language. With these attributes of civilization came other trappings of roman culture: lavish entertainments, elaborate dinner parties, and vice.

The world of pleasure became a defining feature of the roman world, and this book explores how they pursued sensual delights - from steamy bathhouses to stately country villas; the excesses of the festivals to the rich culture of music, dance and song; and the practice of sex, both unrestrained and puritanical.