Hetaira

Courtesans ( gr ἑταῖραι hetairai " companions " ) were female prostitutes in ancient times. Unlike prostitutes (Greek: pórnai ) were the courtesans as formed and were socially recognized.

According to the legislation of prostitution in Athens by the legislation of Solon (c. 640 BC; † 560 BC ) also flowed to the government revenues from these too. In ancient Greece it was not taboo to have dealings with courtesans, as Greek women especially in the household ( oikos ) active and in contrast to the companions in art, culture, literature and philosophy were not versed mostly. The wages of courtesan could range from a small fee up to very high sums. The distinction between simple and prostitution Hetärentum is usually difficult if at all possible.

Famous courtesans were about Lais of Corinth Lais of Hykkara, Lamia, a courtesan of Demetrius I Poliorketes, Leena, Neaera, Phryne, the model of the famous Aphrodite of Knidos woman's bust by the sculptor Praxiteles, Rhodopis, Thaïs, a courtesan of Alexander the Great and of Ptolemy I Soter and Pythionike and Glycera, courtesans of Harpalus.

The courtesan is also a very common type in the ancient comedy, such as Plautus and Terence. In imperial Rome ( Caligula the harlot control a led ) were at times the most distinguished Roman women courtesans, up to a resolution of the senate forbade this, if the father or husband held the knighthood. A male counterpart of the concept of ancient Greek Hetairos ( " friend ", " comrade" ), is not to be compared easily with the female term.

Due to the uncertainty in the research status of courtesans, they are associated with several other female life forms, including mistresses, courtesans, geishas and Gisaengs.

Swell

  • Lucian: Hetärengespräche. Edition Ebersbach, Dortmund 2000, ISBN 3-934703-01-1
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