They played a role in key events in history.
For centuries were ladies who was selling her body. This activity, sometimes elevated to the rank of profession, not one thousand years. Some prostitutes even entered the story. In our review we will focus on the most famous ladies of easy virtue.
Tais
Greece, around 330 BC
Thais — Thais, who accompanied Alexander the great during his numerous campaigns. Unknown, “worked” if Tais on Alexander, but historical records indicate that he kept it to himself during the long term, and it was during his many military campaigns.
I wonder what Thais instigated the burning of the Palace of Xerxes in Persepolis Alexander conquered by his fiery speech. She was the second person after Alexander, who personally threw the torch into the building. Historians believe that it was revenge Tais for the fact that the Persian king Xerxes destroyed the Acropolis.
Rahab
Jericho
The story of Rahab can be found in the Book of Joshua, which tells of a woman who operated a hotel and a brothel adjacent to the wall of Jericho. It was during the siege of that city by the Israelites under the command of Joshua. Before entering the city, Jesus sent two spies to Jericho to find out what is the potential of the enemy. Rahab hid the spies at home instead that during the assault, the Israelites will spare her and her family. To designate your house, so it remained untouched during the assault, she hung on the door of the red zone. Some believe that after this incident, the red color began to identify brothels.
Frina
Greece, 371 BC
Perhaps one of the most famous courtesans in Ancient Greece phryne, whose real name was Mnesarete (which means “mindful of the virtues”). One of the rejected fans accused Phryne in atheism. In court her counsel was a famous orator Hypereides that time. When his speech did not impress the judges, Hypereides just pulled off Phryne’s clothes. Judge immediately acquitted her because “such a perfect body can’t hide an imperfect soul.”
Xu Syaosyao
China, 482-501
Xu Syaosyao, sometimes called “Little Xu”, was a Chinese courtesan and poet. She lived during the southern Qi dynasty, known for its beauty and intelligence. And although she sold her body for mere mortals, sue became famous through his poetry. Our time has heard numerous stories about her life, most of which are linked to her novels with young people.
She died at the age of 19 years due to an incurable disease. When Shu realized that he would soon die, he devoted his remaining time in the poems about the beauty of the world. Over her grave was tended for many centuries until it was destroyed during the cultural revolution (restored the grave only in 2004).
Bekyu Mary Jeanne, Countess dubarry
France, 1743-1793
Du Barry was the last mistress of king Louis XV fell victim to the terror during the French revolution. She started her career in Paris as a courtesan, having acquired extensive acquaintances among the aristocracy who had used her services. In order to bring his mistress to the court, the king has arranged her a marriage with a brother of count dubarry, and also provided her with false documents, which proves its noble origin.
So the total for the year of street courtesan has become a noble lady — the mistress of the king of France. Because of its direct links with Louis XV, du Barry was executed by guillotine on 8 December 1793.
Mary Boleyn
England, 1499-1543
Mary Boleyn, the less famous sister of the legendary Anne Boleyn, was a courtesan. There are many stories about how she used her sexuality to gain favor in the Royal court. For some time Mary was the favorite of the English and French kings.
It is believed that she died around the age of 40 or 41 years, although her burial place is unknown. Mary “retired”, married a man of low birth. And when her sister was executed, Mary, and even tried to get lost somewhere in France. Among its descendants are such well-known Britons such as Charles Darwin and the Duchess of Cambridge Catherine.
Veronica Franco
Italy, 1546-1591
Veronica Franco was a well-educated young lady. The mother not only gave her a good education, but also taught her all the possible ways that were supposed to help to marry a rich man.
As a teenager, she married the doctor, but the marriage quickly ended in divorce, and Veronica became a courtesan in Venetian courtyard, in order to survive. She not only gratified the male aristocracy of Venice, but he wrote poetry and even published several collections.
Veronica was so successful in both their professions that they were able to amass a decent condition and began to do charity work, caring for the orphaned children of fellow courtesans. In 1580 she was accused of witchcraft, but Veronica managed to convince the Inquisition of his innocence. Her fate is unknown, but it is believed that she lost her wealth when she had to flee from Venice from the plague in 1575. Veronica died in poverty after the death of his last protector.
Mary Jane Kelly
England, 1863-1888
In some cases, the famous person does not life and death. Mary Jane Kelly — that kind of woman, because she was the last victim of Jack the Ripper.
Each of the victims of the famous serial killer, who killed prostitutes, was mutilated after her throat was cut. Mary Jane Kelly was lucky her injuries were inflicted while she was still alive. The scene was so terrible that the majority of those who saw the corpse was just in shock. Mary’s death, as in the case of other victims of the Ripper, remains unsolved.
Catherine Walters
Britain, 1839-1920
Catherine Walters, also known as “get them skittles”, was one of the last of the great courtesans of Victorian London. She was considered very beautiful and loved horse riding, which was nicknamed”the Princess of the Amazons. List of patrons includes many politicians and members of the Royal family, including Edward VII, the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince albert.
Catherine was known for his modesty that impressed by many aristocrats who wanted to have their last remains a mystery. It made her very rich. In 1890 she retired and lived quite comfortably. Katherine Walters is that rare case where the courtesan lived in affluence and died when he was in old age.
Lizzie Lap
USA, 1853-1917
Lizzie Lap was representative of the oldest profession and managed several brothels in Ohio. Lizzie married eight times, and her most famous relationship was the relationship with Warren G. Harding, the 29th President of the United States. It is believed that Mr. Harding often visited brothels and Lizzie was a regular customer of the saloon, the “Red bird”.
The ex-husband of Lizzie constantly filed her claims in court for division of property, but she managed to preserve their state, no matter what.
