What is a hetaera?

Definition of the glossary term hetaera

© Robin Fowler

Sep 22, 2006
Definition of the glossary term hetaera

A hetaera was an ancient Greek courtesan of a sorts. A hetaera was highly educated, incredibly beautiful, and able to hold her own when it came to music, dancing, and they actively participated in public life. These women were often educated ex-slaves and foreigners. Their position in Greek society, as entertainers, companions, and prostitutes, was rather high, though completely unlike most other Greek women. They were taxpayers, and their opinions on civic matters were often held in high regard.

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