Hetaira - Greek Courtesans (1st known women to be groomed for company

"Apasia, was a hetaira, one of the highly educated women from eastern Greece who entertained and accompanied men in many of their festivals, often including sex. As the mistress of Perikles, a principal ruler of Athens in the mid-fifth century B.C.E., Aspasia's influence on the Athenian leader was reputedly enormous; at various times his policies and speeches were ascribed to her."

And what are we to make of that?

Well Marcus Aurelius, what do you think of that? Do you believe that history has been influenced by women who are intelligent, sophisticated, and in control of themselves?

Related....read my sig block.

Thank you for this thread. The history of true courtesans and other similar types is my primary area of interest.

I've been researching this area and it's simply fascinating to me.

Well Marcus Aurelius, what do you think of that? Do you believe that history has been influenced by women who are intelligent, sophisticated, and in control of themselves? Originally Posted by Exec_Enchant

And willing to engage in sexual activities.

And what are we to make of that? Originally Posted by Marcus Aurelius

I'm wondering if Marcus will post another of his excellent essay/poems from the great northern lands as a response.

My post was not to agree or disagree. I was pointing out that Exec_Enchant posted what looked like something out of a book with no commentary of her own.

Well Marcus Aurelius, what do you think of that? Do you believe that history has been influenced by women who are intelligent, sophisticated, and in control of themselves? Originally Posted by Exec_Enchant

Of course it has. History has also been influenced by classless stupid women that were completely out of control. Men too.

what is telling to me is that Aspasia seems to be one of the few women who had any influence. Maybe that's the bigger story.

what is telling to me is that Aspasia seems to be one of the few women who had any influence. Maybe that's the bigger story. Originally Posted by awl4knot

It is the bigger story. She's referenced as having significant influence on Perikles, and may have been a discussion partner with Plato and Socrates.
Thank you LA for mentioning her.

Of course it has. History has also been influenced by classless stupid women that were completely out of control. Men too. Originally Posted by JohnnyCap

There have been many influential Courtesans through out history that have helped shape economic, political, and judicial power. In early Greece some of the mos influential are:

Lamia of Athens - Consort to Demetrius, build the first art gallery for the benefit of the citizens of Greece. She was so intelligent, witty, and beautiful that the temple of Aphrodite was made in her honor.

Thargelia - She influenced economic and political good will in Greece toward the King of Persia so helping to create a very profitable alliance.

Aspasia - Courtesan to some of the most influential statesmen and philosophers in Ancient Greece including Plato, Aristophanes, Xenophon, and Socrates. All of them were inspired by her to write poetry that survives to this day. It is widely believed that she influenced the teachings of Socrates. She went on to being the primary consort of Pericles.

Archaeanassa - Companion to Plato. Inspired Plato to write a famous poem that has influenced Western Civilization. She was so highly regarded for her intelligence that men welcomed her in their discussions on politics, philosophy, mathematics, and science. It is widely believed that she influenced politics at the highest levels in Greece. She was also renowned as a healer.

Thais- Courtesan to Alexander the Great. It is known that she was his confidant and advisor during his campaigns. She also influenced the burning down of Persepolis.

Beyond these women Hetaira had such influence in popular culture that Athenian women imitated their dress, makeup, and shaving of pubic hair.

Beyond Ancient Greece the following are influential courtesans in history:

Rahab - Old Testament courtesan who lived in Jericho and according to the Book of Joshua helped the Isrealites in capturing the city. In the New Testament she is mentioned as one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ. She married Salmon who was grandfather to King David.

Su Xiaoxiao - A Chinese courtesan during the Xi Dynasty she was renowned as a poet. Her poetry provided inspiration and was the cause of celebration for thousands of years in Imperial China.

Theodora - Was a Courtesan whom married Justinian and influenced the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. She was widely respected as co-regent and is believed to have been the most influential and powerful woman in the Roman Empire's entire history.

Gomer - A Courtesan whom God commanded Hosea to marry in the Book of Hosea in the Old Testament.

Mary Boleyn - Sister to Anne Boleyn English Queen married to Henry VIII. She is the maternal aunt of Queen Elizabeth I. She was also the Courtesan of King Francis 1st of France.

Calamity Jane - Renowned frontierswoman.

Mata Hari - Famous World War I spy, exotic dancer, and Courtesan. She was the companion to high ranking military, business, and political figures. Her code name in Berlin was H2-1 and she is believed to have been a double agent for the French and German.

Brooke Magnanti - Research scientist and writer who supplemented her income as a Courtesan while completing her doctoral degree.

These are but a few. I am certain that there are many more.