Какой была жизнь "жриц любви": от греческих гетер до толеранток Российской империи/СБОРНИК

История. Интересно!・2 minutes read

The text explores the lives of women involved in prostitution across different historical contexts, focusing on figures like Nicoretta in ancient Greece and Josephine in the 19th-century Russian Empire, highlighting their struggles for autonomy amidst societal stigma and male dominance. It underscores the systemic challenges they faced, including legal restrictions, economic exploitation, and health risks, ultimately reflecting on the precariousness of their existence and the societal attitudes towards their roles.

Insights

  • The video reveals that in ancient Greece, the societal roles of women, particularly hetaerae, were complex; while these educated courtesans could gain respect and autonomy, they still faced significant stigma and were often viewed as "parasites" within a patriarchal society that limited women's rights and freedoms.
  • Nicoretta's story illustrates the harsh realities faced by women in ancient Greece, where the journey from being a valued courtesan to becoming a slave again highlights the precarious nature of their existence, as societal pressures and male dominance continually threatened their autonomy and dignity.
  • The narrative transitions to the Middle Ages, depicting how women like Margot combined prostitution with other trades out of economic necessity, while also revealing the ambivalence of society towards prostitution, as it was both regulated and condemned, reflecting the struggles and limited choices available to women during that period.

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Recent questions

  • What is a courtesan's role in society?

    A courtesan in society often served as an educated companion, providing not only sexual services but also intellectual engagement and companionship. Unlike regular women, courtesans, particularly in ancient Greece, were sometimes more respected due to their training in beauty, social skills, and intellect. They were expected to navigate complex social dynamics, often forming relationships with influential men, which could elevate their status. The role of a courtesan was multifaceted, as they were seen as both entertainers and companions, often engaging in discussions on various topics, thus playing a significant part in the cultural and social fabric of their time.

  • How were prostitutes viewed in the Middle Ages?

    In the Middle Ages, prostitutes were often viewed with a mix of disdain and necessity. While the church condemned sexual activity outside of marriage, society recognized the role of prostitution as a means of survival for many women, particularly those in poverty. Prostitution was officially regulated, with brothels monitored to prevent free services, indicating a societal ambivalence towards the profession. Women in this line of work were often required to wear distinctive clothing to signify their status, and many were married or in civil unions, with their husbands acting as pimps. This complex social dynamic highlighted the precariousness of their situation, as they navigated societal judgment while fulfilling a demand for their services.

  • What challenges did women face in brothels?

    Women in brothels faced numerous challenges, including harsh living conditions, financial exploitation, and the constant threat of disease. Many were required by law to surrender a significant portion of their earnings to brothel owners, leading to debts that could be overwhelming. The environment was often overcrowded and dangerous, with many women succumbing to illness within a short period. Additionally, the fear of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, particularly syphilis, loomed large, as there were no effective treatments available at the time. This precarious existence made it difficult for women to escape the cycle of poverty and exploitation, often leading to tragic outcomes.

  • What was the significance of hetaerae in ancient Greece?

    Hetaerae held a significant place in ancient Greek society, often regarded as more educated and respected than ordinary women. These courtesans were trained from a young age in various arts, including beauty, conversation, and social skills, allowing them to engage with influential men and participate in intellectual discussions. Unlike regular women, who had limited rights and were often seen as property, hetaerae could wield a degree of autonomy and influence. Their relationships with powerful men could elevate their status, making them key figures in the social and cultural landscape of their time, despite the stigma attached to their profession.

  • How did societal views on prostitution evolve over time?

    Societal views on prostitution have evolved significantly over time, reflecting changing attitudes towards sexuality, morality, and women's rights. In the Middle Ages, prostitution was both condemned and regulated, with brothels being a common feature of urban life. As time progressed, particularly in the 19th century, the legalization of prostitution in some regions aimed to control public health issues like syphilis, leading to the establishment of "houses of tolerance." However, this often resulted in the exploitation of women, as many were coerced into the trade. The complex interplay of societal norms, legal frameworks, and economic necessity has shaped the perception of prostitution, leading to ongoing debates about morality, autonomy, and the rights of sex workers.

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Summary

00:00

Harlots and Freedom in Ancient Greece

  • The video discusses the lives of harlots in ancient Greece, exploring their societal roles and the stigma attached to them, including the notion of being labeled as "parasites" in society.
  • It highlights the historical context of hetaerae, educated courtesans who were often more respected than regular women, and how they were trained from a young age to fulfill their roles, with a focus on beauty, intellect, and social skills.
  • The narrative centers on a specific hetaera named Nicoretta, who was sold into a brothel in Corinth, a major center for prostitution, at a young age and became renowned for her beauty and talents, commanding a high price of 3000 drachmas.
  • The text explains the legal and social status of women in ancient Greece, noting that free women had limited rights and were often considered property of their husbands, while slaves had even fewer rights, with their bodies owned by their masters.
  • It details the different categories of women in this society, including pornai (street prostitutes) and courtesans, emphasizing that courtesans were expected to provide not only sexual services but also companionship and intellectual engagement.
  • The story follows Nicoretta's journey as she ages and is sold to two new owners, Tinadus and Euthus, who offered her a chance to buy her freedom for 2000 drachmas, a significant sum but still less than her original price.
  • After struggling to gather the funds for her freedom, Nicoretta receives help from friends and former clients, ultimately managing to escape her life as a slave and start anew as a free woman.
  • The narrative takes a darker turn as Nicoretta's new patron, Frinn, begins to treat her as a slave again, leading her to flee to Megara, where she continues to work as a courtesan despite facing societal judgment.
  • Eventually, she meets a man named Stephan who offers her a chance at a new life, but her past continues to haunt her as Frinn attempts to reclaim her, leading to a public trial that scrutinizes her character and choices.
  • The story concludes with uncertainty about Nicoretta's fate, reflecting on the societal pressures and male dominance that dictate the lives of women, particularly those who were once slaves, leaving the audience to ponder the implications of her struggle for autonomy and respect.

14:20

Life and Times of Medieval Prostitution

  • Margot lives in a simple room with an earthen floor and an old straw-filled mattress, reflecting the poverty of her lifestyle as a dressmaker and part-time prostitute in the Middle Ages.
  • Prostitution was common among women whose primary professions did not provide sufficient income, with many combining it with other trades like lacemaking or glove weaving, and even widows of artisans engaging in this work.
  • Margot's husband acts as her pimp, bringing clients to their home and preparing food and drink for them, while he recites verses about the evils of love and his role in their arrangement.
  • During the late Middle Ages, brothels flourished, with Paris reportedly housing around 200,000 prostitutes, as described by historian Jacques de Vitry, who noted their presence in public spaces and their interactions with various societal figures.
  • Prostitution was officially regulated by the state, with brothels monitored to prevent free services, despite the church's condemnation of sexual activity outside marriage, highlighting a societal ambivalence towards the profession.
  • Women in prostitution had specific dress codes to distinguish them from "honest" women, often wearing items like yellow cloaks or distinctive head coverings, which were symbols of their profession.
  • The royal courts employed numerous prostitutes to satisfy the sexual needs of monarchs and courtiers, with a significant shift occurring in the late 15th century when noblewomen began to replace them in courtly entertainment.
  • Bathhouses, once popular, became associated with prostitution, leading to a decline in their reputation, as church councils condemned them while clergy members were often their clients.
  • By the 15th century, strict regulations governed prostitution, including prohibitions against serving minors and restrictions during religious holidays, with prices for services being low, such as one egg for a session.
  • Traveling prostitutes, known as "marchtans," followed armies, providing services to soldiers, and were often seen as necessary for maintaining morale, despite the dangers they faced, including the risk of execution for their profession.

29:00

Women in Medieval and 19th Century Prostitution

  • In the Middle Ages, poor women had limited options, primarily either entering a monastery or becoming prostitutes, with monasteries often functioning as controlled brothels under the Order of St. Magdalene, such as the one established in Avignon in the 10th century to combat prostitution.
  • Monasteries would confine women, allowing them to provide services under church supervision, with the abbess controlling client selection, while Pope Ina Canti II in 1198 offered full absolution to men marrying prostitutes, promoting such unions as virtuous.
  • City authorities incentivized marriage to former prostitutes by offering dowries and civil rights to husbands, but if the woman returned to prostitution, she faced expulsion, leaving the husband with only divorce as recourse.
  • In Paris, a third of prostitutes were married, with many living in civil unions, often with their husbands acting as pimps, highlighting the precariousness of their situation, as illustrated by the fate of Margot and her poet husband.
  • The narrative shifts to the Russian Empire, where the character Josephine, depicted in a famous painting, represents a woman seeking a better life but ultimately falling into prostitution after being misled by a job advertisement.
  • In the 19th century, prostitution flourished in Russia, particularly after Nicholas I legalized it in 1844 to control syphilis, leading to the establishment of "houses of tolerance" where women were often coerced into the trade.
  • Prostitutes were categorized into street workers, brothel residents, and those with "yellow tickets," which mandated humiliating medical examinations to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, with the majority being peasant women or from the bourgeoisie.
  • High-end brothels charged around 10 rubles per night, a sum equivalent to a month’s salary for a legal job, while cheaper establishments were overcrowded and dangerous, with many women dying within six months due to harsh conditions.
  • Josephine's journey into prostitution began when she was lured into a house of tolerance, where she was manipulated into staying and eventually became a full-time worker, learning the ins and outs of the trade from other women.
  • The daily life of prostitutes like Josephine involved strict routines, including discussions over meals, grooming, and preparation for clients, with a focus on maintaining attractiveness and managing their health to prolong their careers in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

42:29

Tragic Journey of a Brothel Worker

  • The girls working in the brothel, including Josephine, faced significant financial burdens, as they were required by law to give three-quarters of their earnings to the brothel owner, leading to debts that could reach up to 300 rubles, which they dismissed with a carefree attitude, prioritizing their health over financial concerns.
  • The constant fear of contracting syphilis loomed over the women, as there were no antibiotics available at the time, and statistics indicated that at least 50% of prostitutes were infected, which could lead to job loss and long hospital stays, ultimately resulting in a grim fate of living in slums.
  • Josephine's life took a turn when she transitioned from a brothel to becoming a camellia, enjoying a more luxurious lifestyle with multiple patrons, but this came with its own challenges, including the stress of maintaining her status and the fear of her patrons discovering each other, which ultimately led to financial instability.
  • Despite the legal allowance for women to leave the profession at any time, few managed to escape, and Josephine's fate deteriorated as she contracted syphilis, leading to her descent into poverty and a tragic end in the slums after just three years of living as a tolerated woman.
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