improper women

• Was prostitution legal in Athens?

  Yes, it was legal.
• How were brothels viewed in Athens?

  As normal businesses that were taxed.
• How were female prostitutes treated under the law compared to male prostitutes?

  They were not controlled by the same laws.
• What could female prostitutes in Athens do that male prostitutes could not?

  Own property and run businesses.
• Where would a porne typically work in Athens?

  In the prostituted parts of the town.
• What was the condition of the pornai where pornae worked?

  They were often unhygienic.
• What might happen to a porne if she did not make enough money?

  She could be punished by her owner.
• How did a hetaira differ from a porne?

  A hetaira was usually a free citizen.
• What services did hetairai provide beyond sex?

  Entertainment at symposia with music and conversation.
• Who was Aspasia?

  A Corinthian slave who became influential.
• What was Aspasia's relationship with Pericles?

  She married him and advised him.
• What did Plutarch write about Aspasia?

  Her influence on Pericles.
• Was prostitution legal in Rome?

  Yes, it was legal and licensed.
• What did a meretrix need to obtain to work legally?

  A licence for debauchery from a government official.
• What happens to a free person who registers as a prostitute in Rome?

  They become infamis and lose rights.
• Where did the poorest meretrices typically work?

  In a lupanar (brothel).
• What was the social stigma associated with being a leno?

  It was seen as a shameful profession.
• Who was Cytheris/Lycoris?

  A slave who became a famous actor and prostitute.
• What did Mark Antony do regarding Cytheris?

  Made her his long-term mistress.
• What did Julius Caesar advise Mark Antony to do?

  End his relationship with Cytheris.
• Who was Clodia/Lesbia?

  A wealthy noblewoman with affairs.
• What did Catullus write about Clodia?

  Poems referring to her as Lesbia.
• What did Cicero do regarding Clodia?

  Attacked her character in a speech.
• What are the key terms related to sex work in ancient Greece and Rome?

  • Lupanar: Brothel
  • Courtesan: Kept mistress
  • Debauchery: Immoral indulgence
  • Erasistratia: Sexual acts for money
  • Bas: Low-class Greek prostitute
  • Hetara: High-class Greek prostitute
  • Metic: Foreigner in Greek city
  • Infamis: Low legal status in Rome
  • Meretrix: Roman prostitute
  • Leno: Male brothel keeper
  • Lena: Female brothel keeper
  • Symposia: Athenian drinking parties
• What are the differences between pornae and hetairai in Athens?

  • Pornae:
  • Often slaves
  • Worked in unhygienic conditions
  • Subject to punishment by owners
  • Hetairai:
  • Free citizens
  • Highly educated
  • Provided entertainment at symposia
• What are the similarities and differences between sex workers in Athens and Rome?

  Similarities:

  • Prostitution was legal and taxed.
  • Both had different classes of prostitutes.

  
  

  Differences:

  • Athens had pornae and hetairai; Rome had meretrices.
  • Free-born meretrices became infamis; hetairai retained rights.