Historians, because of the unworthiness of the topic, bypass the history of prostitution. But this phenomenon has a rich history, sometimes filled with vivid facts. Written sources have preserved a lot of evidence about the representatives of the most ancient profession, and therefore in our review the most famous priestesses of love in the history of mankind are presented.
1
Raav
We learn the story of the harlot and the mistress of the inn from the Book of Joshua, and in the Talmud a resident of Jericho is described as a fabulous beauty. Everyone who saw her could not restrain her enthusiasm, and the young men happened to have mournful blows.
A smart, independent woman became famous for the fact that during the assault on Jericho she hid two scouts from the army of Joshua in her house. It was for this feat that she and all her household received forgiveness. All other residents of the oldest city were exterminated.
Another legend is associated with Rahab. So that her house would not be burned, she hung a red belt on the door. Perhaps that is why all the brothels over time began to denote in red.
2
Aspasia
Geter, beloved of Pericles, who changed the course of history. Born in a family of immigrants from Miletus around 470 BC, and lived for almost 70 years.
Plutarch wrote in his writings that Socrates himself and his friends went to Aspasia in order to enjoy her reasoning about life. After Pericles divorced his first wife, Aspasia began to live with him, but historians argue about her marital status. Opponents of the first man of Athens accused the woman of immorality and fornication.
History has kept records that Aspasia was distinguished by her mind, had her own opinion, and was also incredibly beautiful. She knew how to use her beauty, and some believe that she was among the founders of the philosophical teachings of Socrates.
3
Thais
The most famous Greek getter, a native of the city of Athens. Thais was a constant companion of Alexander the Great, accompanying him on long hikes in Asia Minor.
An independent and beautiful woman enjoyed all the freedoms of a citizen and herself had the right to choose her occupation. She received an excellent education, was able to speak beautifully, and was distinguished by wit and ingenuity. After the death of Alexander conquered the heart of Ptolemy, becoming his mistress.
Historians emphasize the fact that Thais participated in the burning of the city of Persepolis. Alexander called for the destruction of the city, and his companion threw a burning torch into the royal palace, as a result of which the whole city burned down.
4
Frina
The native of Feslia took the nickname “Phryne” to protect herself from evil spirits. The real name is Geters of Mnesareth, which is translated from Greek means "remembering the virtues."
Despite this name, having moved to Athens, the girl became a heterosexual. The young girl became a model for the famous sculptor Praxiteles. He first decided to create a sculpture of Aphrodite completely naked. Charming Phryna posed for the sculptor.
With it, the painter Apelles created his masterpieces. Frina was accused of profligacy and arranged a trial. When the judges were ready to convict her defender, Hyperid laid bare the woman's breasts. Amazed by the beauty, the judges did not dare to blame the priestess of the Goddess of Love.
5
Su Xiao Xiao
The Chinese chroniclers preserved in their writings the name of the courtesan Little Su, who lived in the Middle Kingdom during the imperial Ming-di dynasty.
Su perfectly mastered not only the art of giving love joys, but also possessed a poetic gift. Chinese courtesans were more likely to be lovers than girls who provide sex for money. Among the lovers of a sweet and lovely Chinese woman were the highest officials of the country.
Su's life was short. In 501, barely a girl turned 19 years old, she died from an incurable disease. Before her death, she devoted herself exclusively to poetry, and the stories of her novels have survived. In 2004, the burial place of the famous courtesan and poetess was restored.
6
Maria Boleyn
Being in the shadow of her more famous brothers and sisters, Maria Boleyn went down in history as the mistress of the monarchs of England and France. According to contemporaries, she had an attractive appearance and was very loving.
At the court of King Francis I of France, she was called the "English Marie" for her sexual inclinations and love of love. Maria Boleyn easily shared a bed with aristocrats to gain favor, and was also able to become the mistress of the English king Henry VIII and the French monarch Francis I.
Maria entered into a second marriage with a man of the lower class, because of which she lost all court privileges. When her sister, Queen Anne, was executed, Mary ceased to communicate with her noble relatives. Maria Boleyn died in 1543 at the age of 44 years.
7
Veronica Franco
The girl was born in 1546 in the family of the courtesan Paola Thracassa, and she herself eventually became a worthy courtesan, who knew all of Venice.
Mother Veronica spared no effort and money to give her daughter a good education and ensure a decent life. The girl got married early, but the marriage was short-lived and soon a beautiful woman began to provide sexual services. By the age of 20, she was already included in the list of the most revered courtesans of Venice.
Veronica beautifully composed poems, was a member of the literary community, and even published several poetry collections. In 1575 she left Venice, fleeing the plague, and when she returned, her house was plundered. She was accused by the Inquisition of heresy and witchcraft, but was acquitted.
8
Marie Jeanne Bequue
The girl, better known in history as Madame Dubarry, was born in 1743 on the banks of the Meuse in the town of Vaucouler. To achieve a high position in society, from an early age, she began to trade in her body. According to the editors of TheBiggest, this was not a good idea, but maybe we were very wrong about that.
Beauty and the ability to give herself quickly made her the most famous courtesan of Paris. She shared a bed with French aristocrats, close to the monarch. But this was not enough for her. To be closer to the king, she fictitiously marries, receives a noble title and gets acquainted with Louis XV.
Using all her love spell, Marie becomes the official favorite of the French monarch. The millstones of the revolution did not spare the wasteful aristocrat. Dubarry was chopped off by the guillotine on December 8, 1793.
9
Kikki Fisher
The most famous courtesan of the Enlightenment did not win popular love, but popular glory was provided to her. Poems were dedicated to her, paintings were written from her, and women of easy virtue began to take the nickname “Kikki” in order to bring themselves even closer to the glory of a famous woman.
Its origin is shrouded in mystery. It is known that she was born in 1741 and quickly made a career as a “night butterfly”. The young naval officer, with whom Kikki entered into a love affair, brought her into high society. She quickly abandoned her lover to share a bed with more aristocratic women.
All the married ladies of London prayed to all the saints in the mornings so that their husbands would not fall into the scandal associated with the loving courtesan. At 29, she married a rural landowner, becoming Mrs. Norris. 4 months after the wedding, she died with lead poisoning.
10
Mary Jane Kelly
In 1888, at the age of 25, the London prostitute Mary Jane became the last victim of Jack the Ripper. It was the bloodiest murder of all the victims of a cruel maniac.
Previous victims were killed, and only then the killer mutilated their bodies. But Mary was tortured during her lifetime. Eyewitnesses describe that everything around was covered in blood, her face was mutilated, the girl’s organs were cut out and laid out next to her body.
So terrible death made a resident of London famous. The first photograph in the history of forensics was taken at the scene of the crime, but it’s a pity and it did not help to reveal the secret of Jack the Ripper.
11
Katherine Walters
The era of good Victorian England was a thing of the past, and Catherine Walters became the last known courtesan of the passing era. All of London knew her by the name of the Skittles.
She was very beautiful, educated and loved horseback riding. Because of this passion, she was nicknamed the "Princess of the Amazons." This princess was modest, which did not prevent her from having many lovers among high society, including members of the royal family.
On the list of her patrons and lovers was even the son of Queen Edward. In 1890, at the age of 50, Katherine, as they say now, “tied up”. She lived in solitude, and quite comfortably. She died in 1920, having outlived her noble lovers.
12
Lizzy lap
An American girl of easy virtue has been married 8 times in her life, and on the list of her famous clients, the most famous was US President Warren Harding.
Lizzy was born in Ohio in 1853, and was forced to go to the panel to survive. Over time, an enterprising woman was able to open a network of elite brothels. The most famous of the Lizzy brothels was the Red Bird Salon, which Harding often used to drop by.
The future President with the help of Lape even framed his rival journalism. He invited him to visit one of Lizzy's salons, and he himself sent the police there. When divorced, husbands tried to seize her fortune, but a strong woman always remained with her. The famous nocturnal butterfly and procurer managed to preserve wealth and real estate, and died in 1917.
In conclusion
As you can see, many priestesses of love have influenced the course of world history. Religion throughout its existence negatively related to libertines, excommunicating them from the church. A vivid example is the biblical Mary Magdalene, who became despised by all for debauchery, but who found protection from Jesus. Today, in many countries of the planet prostitution is fully or partially legalized, but most countries continue to negatively put this phenomenon of social life in society.
TheBiggest editors ask you to write in the comments which other famous priestesses of love should also be on our list.
Article author: Valery Skiba