Prostitutes and Prostitution

Called the world's oldest profession, prostitution has been a noble or ignoble occupation, and prostitutes -- by many different names -- have been the object of respect or disrespect, depending on the time and culture.

Aspasia
One of two images of Aspasia, part of an image gallery of women of ancient Greece. Aspasia, a philosopher and physician, was the companion of Pericles of Athens, and shocked the ancient world not so much because she was his unmarried partner or because she was a courtesan, but because he treated her as an equal. Plato and Socrates both acknowledge her intelligence and her influence on Pericles.

Theodora
The sixth century's female Horatio Alger: she rose from a background as daughter of an animal trainer, becoming an actress and probably a prostitute, to becoming the powerful empress working at the side of Justinian to reform the Byzantine Empire.

Women and World War II: Comfort Women
During World War II, comfort women served the Japanese military sexually. While the Japanese government disclaims responsibility, many or most of the women were forced into this service.

Lais
Some ancient sources on the beautiful courtesan Lais, linked to the story of Demosthenes. From About.com's Guide to Ancient History, N. S. Gill.

Trying Neaira
Ancient History Guide N. S. Gill reviews this historical novel which gives much information on the life of Neaira and on courtesans in general in ancient Greece.

Phryne
About.com's Ancient History Guide, N. S. Gill, quotes from ancient sources about the famous Greek courtesan and prostitute Phryne.

Rhodopis the Courtesan
N.S. Gill, About.com Guide to Ancient History, quotes from Herodotus about the courtesan Rhodopis.

History of Ancient Roman Prostitutes, Harlots, Brothels & Prostitution
Notes on Roman Prostitutes, Brothels, and Prostitution from the Satyricon by Petronius Arbiter -- an original source document (translated).

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