Buzz
Often referred to as the oldest profession, prostitution has existed since the earliest records of human history, evolving significantly over time. Prostitutes have played diverse roles in society, ranging from marginalized figures to influential members of their communities.
10. Ying-chi
The ying-chi are recognized as the earliest independent prostitutes in Chinese history. Their documented presence dates back to Emperor Wu, who reportedly enlisted women to accompany his armies, providing entertainment during lengthy campaigns. The term 'ying-chi,' meaning 'camp harlot,' was a title bestowed upon them in 100 BC.
Some sources dispute the claim that these women were the first Chinese prostitutes. It is believed that the King of Yue established the initial prostitution camps, composed of widows of deceased soldiers. These women differed greatly from the refined courtesans who later gained prominence, offering companionship rather than mere physical services. The ying-chi also stand apart from those employed in government-operated brothels, institutions that trace their origins to the seventh century BC.
9. Temple Prostitutes
The function of temple prostitutes in ancient Greco-Roman culture has sparked considerable debate. While their widespread practice is undisputed, the specifics remain unclear. These individuals conducted their trade within temple grounds, sanctioned by priests, and were considered to be serving their deity through their work.
The extent to which temple prostitutes performed religious duties is still uncertain. Some experts suggest they were merely slaves whose earnings supported the temple, while others argue they held a revered position in temple rituals and deity worship. This latter view is particularly associated with fertility cults and goddesses such as Aphrodite, where engaging a temple prostitute was seen as an act of devotion.
The concept of temple prostitutes is broad, with various levels within the temple hierarchy. Many individuals, often virgins, were brought to temples to devote their lives and bodies to the worship of deities. Some historical accounts indicate that in ancient Greece, only girls under the age of 14 served as temple prostitutes. The exact roles of these individuals remain debated, but their significance in temple activities is undeniable.
8. Devadasis
A devadasi refers to a woman compelled into prostitution as a form of service to Yellamma, the Hindu goddess of fertility. Upon reaching puberty, their virginity is auctioned by their parents to the highest bidder. Following this, they are consecrated to the goddess and live out their days as prostitutes under Yellamma's name. Each night, they are sold to the highest bidder. For the parents, this arrangement is beneficial as it eliminates the need for a dowry and allows them to retain the earnings of their daughters.
For centuries, this tradition has been integral to Yellamma’s religious practices. Despite being banned in India in 1988, it persists to this day. The social stigma surrounding devadasis is profound—even if they abandon the practice, marriage remains unattainable. Once devoted to the goddess, their path is irreversible. Most devadasis are expelled from the temple by their mid-40s, deemed too old to honor the goddess, and many resort to begging to survive their remaining years.
7. Comfort Women
The term “comfort women” refers to a tragic and often neglected chapter of World War II history. Starting in 1932, the Japanese military enlisted women, primarily from Korea, to work in newly created “comfort stations.” While they were offered employment, the true nature of these stations—brothels for Japanese soldiers—was concealed.
Ultimately, approximately 200,000 women were transported to serve as comfort women, with only 25–30 percent surviving the horrors they endured. Girls as young as 11 were forced to cater to 50–100 men daily, facing violent punishment for refusal. Although the Japanese government has offered verbal apologies, financial reparations to survivors and their families have been largely denied. As of 2014, only 55 surviving comfort women were known to remain.
6. Auletrides
Auletrides were a distinct group of Greek courtesans who held a special place in society. Unlike outcasts, these women were not only skilled in intimate encounters but also excelled as flute players and trained dancers. Some possessed additional talents like juggling, fencing, and acrobatics, making them captivating public performers. They often participated in religious ceremonies and festivals, and some accounts suggest they were even popular among children as entertainers.
Auletrides could also be booked for exclusive events, where their more sensual skills were showcased. Similar performers included the psaltriai, or harpists, and the kitharistriai, or lyre players. These individuals, often young girls and occasionally boys, were managed by a poroboskos, who essentially functioned as a madam, arranging their services for private gatherings.
5. Ganika
The Ganika, akin to Japan’s geisha, held a prestigious position in Indian society. Their presence was believed to bring good fortune and wealth. Since Ganikas never married or became widows, they avoided the societal disgrace associated with widowhood. Widows were once deemed ill omens and were barred from public appearances.
Indian culture acknowledges nine categories of prostitutes, with the Ganika occupying the highest rank. Beyond their intimate skills, these women were required to master various performing arts. Achieving proficiency in all 64 arts elevated them to the status of Ganika.
Unlike other prostitutes, who were often housewives supplementing their husbands' income or servants providing both domestic and sexual services, Ganikas were celebrated in royal courts. Their beauty and talents inspired songs and poems. Serving the elite, they enjoyed legal protections but were also bound by laws that could result in punishment or fines for rejecting noble clients.
4. Zonah
In the Hebrew Bible, the zonah represents a female prostitute who operated independently, not bound to any man or the duty of bearing children to continue a family lineage. These women existed beyond biblical laws, with only a few regulations addressing their conduct and how others should treat them.
A notable rule prohibits fathers from selling their daughters into prostitution. Additionally, if a priest’s daughter became a zonah, she faced execution by burning. While priests were barred from marrying zonahs, other men were free to wed or engage with them. Other prostitutes were linked to pagan temples, and Israelite women were forbidden from becoming qedeshab, often understood as temple prostitutes.
3. Mut’ah
Mut’ah, or mut’a, is a complex topic in Islam, referring to a temporary marriage where two parties agree to a union for a predetermined period. The contract, which can be verbal or written, outlines all terms, such as the dowry, the nature of physical interaction, and the duration of the marriage.
Supporters argue that mut’ah allows couples to cohabit and test compatibility without violating Islamic laws. Some agreements explicitly exclude physical contact, while others are overseen by the families involved. Certain contracts may last only a few hours, with the woman receiving payment for her time.
Critics, particularly among Sunni Muslims, argue that mut’ah serves as a loophole to circumvent the prohibition of prostitution. The time-bound nature and financial aspects enable individuals to engage with multiple partners without religious repercussions, leading to strong opposition from some Islamic sects.
2. Tawaif
Tawaifs were celebrated as performers in North India from the 18th to early 20th centuries. Similar to geishas, they excelled in dance and music, viewed not as typical prostitutes but as artists with patrons rather than clients. Many amassed considerable wealth, particularly those who selected their patrons carefully.
Tawaifs with daughters could pass down their wealth and often their profession. Belonging to a lineage of tawaifs elevated social status. While they were prohibited from marrying, they could form formal relationships with patrons, becoming wives in all but name. They coexisted with traditional wives, representing two facets of a man’s life: the respectable wife for family lineage and the tawaif as a symbol of beauty and allure.
1. Hetaira
A hetaira was an elite courtesan in Athens. Since prostitution was legal and restricted to non-Athenian citizens, many hetairas were slaves. Others were residents born to non-Athenian parents, making them eligible for this role.
Unlike porne, who conducted their trade in private, hetairas were often visible at symposiums, engaging with the crowd. While they were barred from marrying citizens, they could be purchased and freed by one, though this was socially discouraged. Their identity as hetairas was permanent, and impersonating a full citizen could lead to legal action, potentially resulting in a return to slavery. Renowned for their grace and allure, hetairas often became mistresses of influential figures and even served as models for statues of Aphrodite.
