Hetaera
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In ancient Greece, hetaerae (in Greek εταίραι, hetairai) were courtesans, that is to say, sophisticated companions and prostitutes.
In ancient Greek society, Hetaerae were independent and sometimes influential women who were required to wear distinctive dresses and had to pay taxes. Composed mostly of ex-slaves and foreigners, these courtesans were renowned for their achievements in dance and music, as well as for their physical talents. There is evidence that, unlike most other women in Greek society at the time, hetaerae were educated. It is remarkable that hetaerae not only were the only females who would actively take part in the symposiums but also that their opinions and beliefs were respected by men.
Some similarities have been found between the ancient Greek Hetaera, the Japanese Geisha, and the Korean Kisaeng, complex figures that are perhaps in an intermediate position between prostitution and entertainers.
Among the most famous were Aspasia, long-time companion of the Athenian politician Pericles, and Thais, a concubine of Ptolemy, general on the expedition of Alexander the Great and later king of Egypt.
Hetaerae appear to have been regarded as distinct from pornê or simple prostitutes, and also distinguished from mistresses or wives. In the oration Against Neaera, Demosthenes said:
- “We have hetaerae for pleasure, pallakae to care for our daily body’s needs and gynaekes to bear us legitimate children and to be faithful guardians of our households.”
See also
Prostitution in Ancient Greece
External links
- [An essay on women’s lives in classical Athens]
- [James Grout: Hetairai, part of the Encyclopædia Romana]
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