Following a number of films featuring debauched emperors, it is nowadays commonplace to associate the Greek-Roman antiquity with orgies. But is this historically accurate?
Articles on Sex work in Ancient Greece
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Wives were not a part of intellectual life – but sex workers were often seen as having captivating minds, as well as captivating bodies.
From a young age, Neaera was trained for the life of a hetaira, or courtesan. Her tragic story comes to us only through court documents, but she deserves to be remembered.
From phallus-shaped wind chimes to explicit erotica on lamps and cups, sex is everywhere in ancient Greek and Roman art. But our interpretations of these images say much about our own culture.
In Athenian society, it appears some elite courtesans were better educated than traditional wives. Other sex workers were sold into the role as children.
Top contributors
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Honorary Professor of Classics and Ancient History, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland
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Head, Public Engagement, Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney
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Research Fellow and ARC DECRA Fellow, Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry, Australian Catholic University
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Professeur d'histoire ancienne, Université de Lorraine