top of page

Prostitution in the Ancient Mediterranean

Are you excited to learn more about this?

The history of prostitution in the Ancient Mediterranean is marked by its presence and regulation in various influential civilizations, including Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Prostitution was widely practiced and often legally regulated, reflecting diverse societal attitudes toward sex, morality, and economics. Here’s an overview of prostitution in these key ancient Mediterranean cultures:

 

 Ancient Greece

 

 Early Periods (c. 800-500 BCE)

- Sacred Prostitution: In certain city-states, such as Corinth, sacred prostitution was practiced in temples dedicated to goddesses like Aphrodite. Priestesses, known as "hierodules," engaged in sexual activities as part of religious rituals believed to bring divine favor and fertility.

- Secular Prostitution: Prostitution was also a common secular practice. Prostitutes were divided into different categories, including streetwalkers, brothel workers, and higher-class courtesans known as "hetaerae."

 

 Classical Period (c. 500-323 BCE)

- Regulation and Taxes: Prostitution was regulated and taxed by the state. Brothels were often state-run or licensed, and the revenue generated from prostitution was a significant source of income for some city-states.

- Hetaerae: These high-class courtesans were educated, cultured, and influential in social and political circles. They were known for their beauty, intellect, and artistic talents, often forming relationships with prominent men.

 

 Hellenistic Period (c. 323-31 BCE)

- Expansion and Influence: The conquests of Alexander the Great spread Greek culture and practices, including prostitution, throughout the Mediterranean. Greek courtesans and brothels became prominent in new Hellenistic cities, blending local customs with Greek traditions.

 

 Ancient Rome

 

 Roman Republic (c. 509-27 BCE)

- Legalization and Regulation: Prostitution was legal and regulated in Rome. Brothels, known as "lupanaria," were common in urban areas. Prostitutes, or "meretrices," were required to register with authorities and pay taxes.

- Social Status: Prostitutes generally occupied a low social status, although some courtesans, known as "courtesans" or "lupercalia," gained wealth and influence. Roman law protected the rights of prostitutes to some extent, recognizing them as legitimate workers.

 

 Roman Empire (27 BCE-476 CE)

- Integration into Urban Life: Prostitution continued to be a prominent feature of Roman urban life. Brothels were often located in busy commercial districts and near entertainment venues like theaters and baths.

- Erotic Art and Literature: Roman culture was relatively open about sex, and prostitution was depicted in various forms of art and literature. Erotic frescoes, mosaics, and poems provide evidence of the normalization and commercialization of sex.

 

 Ancient Egypt

 

 Old Kingdom to New Kingdom (c. 2686-1069 BCE)

- Temple Prostitution: Similar to Mesopotamia and Greece, ancient Egypt had instances of temple prostitution. Priestesses of deities like Hathor sometimes engaged in ritualistic sexual activities as part of religious ceremonies.

- Secular Prostitution: Prostitution was also practiced outside religious contexts. Some women worked independently or in brothels, catering to travelers, merchants, and locals. Legal records and literary texts from ancient Egypt mention prostitutes and their interactions with clients and authorities.

 

 Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt (332 BCE-395 CE)

- Greek and Roman Influence: The Ptolemaic and subsequent Roman rule introduced Greek and Roman practices to Egypt, including the regulation and taxation of prostitution. Alexandria, in particular, became a cosmopolitan hub where various cultural practices, including prostitution, thrived.

 

 Cultural and Social Perspectives

 

- Economic Necessity: For many women in the ancient Mediterranean, prostitution was a means of economic survival. The lack of viable employment opportunities for women made prostitution one of the few ways they could support themselves and their families.

- Social Stigma: Despite its prevalence, prostitution often carried social stigma. Prostitutes were marginalized and faced legal and social discrimination, although some high-class courtesans achieved considerable influence and respect.

- Legal Protections and Regulation: Various laws and regulations sought to control and tax prostitution, reflecting its integration into the economic and social fabric of ancient societies. These measures aimed to prevent public disorder and control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

- Cultural Depictions: Prostitution and courtesans were frequently depicted in literature, art, and theater, highlighting their role in social and cultural life. These depictions ranged from romanticized and idealized portrayals to more critical and moralistic perspectives.

 

 Conclusion

 

The history of prostitution in the Ancient Mediterranean is a testament to its enduring presence and significance across various civilizations. From the sacred prostitutes of ancient temples to the regulated brothels of Greece and Rome, prostitution was deeply embedded in the social, economic, and cultural life of the region. Understanding this history provides valuable insights into the complexities of gender, morality, and economic survival in the ancient world.

Roman_mosaic-_Love_Scene_-_Centocelle_-_Rome_-_KHM_-_Vienna-e1638280597914.webp
bottom of page