Language/Ancient-greek-to-1453/Culture/Hetairas
The hetairai were a particular category of prostitutes in ancient Greece. In addition to providing sexual services, they acted as artists, entertainers, and conversationalists. Unlike other ancient Greek women, hetairai were highly educated and allowed to attend symposiums.
In ancient Greece, women were categorized as prostitutes, concubines, or wives. Of all these categories, only the hetairai had the privilege of owning and managing their own property. They had complete control over their own lives, and were not answerable to anyone. They relied on financial support from their patrons, but this was usually not a problem.
Hetairai were not restricted to offering sexual services alone, and the very term "hetaira" means "companion." They were often well-educated and could take part in cultured discussions, such as those that took place at symposiums. They were beautiful, smart, and some even rose to high positions in society.
Hetairai had an important place in intellectual and social life and often influenced the government, as they associated with artists, philosophers, politicians, and poets. Famous hetairai include Phryne, who was the model for many of Praxiteles' works, and Thais Athena, who accompanied Alexander the Great.
Lais of Corinth was the most expensive of all hetairai, and Aspasia of Miletus was the companion of Pericles, who divorced his wife to be with her. Aristotle lived with his partner Herpyllida after his wife passed away, and she was the mother of his son.
Sparta is the only Greek city that is reputed to have never had brothels, due to the absence of precious metals and real money. The Spartan currency, made of iron, was not recognized elsewhere and was of no interest to anyone else.
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