Prostitution is one of the oldest professions in the history of the world. Not surprisingly, most prostitutes have always been women. The hetairai are among the most well-known prostitutes in history. Another example would be the Geishas of Japan. Currently, we have the famous escort services in cities, such as Miami and Las Vegas. Nevertheless, the hetairai are an early example of women practicing first-class prostitution.
The hetairai (concubines) were women in Ancient Greece who attended the symposia- parties of men of the highest classes- with the purpose of giving pleasure to men. Not every woman could be hetairai. This role was reserved for women who were not Athenian citizens. Ancient Greece’s patriarchal system protected its citizen women’s virginity and averted wives’ adultery by means of seclusion. In other words, Athenian citizen women were kept safe in the household. In this manner, the government made sure that children were the legitimate sons of citizens.
The hetairai also had to be beautiful and extremely witty. The ability to play instruments and sing at parties was desirable too. Contrary to Athenian citizen women, they were allowed to maintain conversations with men in pulbic. Some of them became exceedingly rich since their lovers were men that belonged to the highest classes. As a result, some hetairai lived in luxury. Many, however, lived perilously and were victims of sexual assault and violence.
The hetairai, without a doubt, enjoyed liberties that Athenian citizen women did not, such as their power of speech, owning luxuries, and a certain sexual power. Notwithstanding, society had hetairai in a low standard. They were women just used for sexual pleasure and entertainment. Athenian citizen women, contrarily, were women of standing and their status increased after bearing legitimate children.
Sources:
Freeman, Charles. Egypt, Greece and Rome: Civilizations of the Ancient Mediterranean. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004.
Martin, Thomas R. Ancient Greece: From Pre-Historic to Hellenistic Times. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1996.
