Athenian Prostitution

The Business of Sex

Edward E. Cohen

Presents a unique focus on the business aspects of Athenian prostitution
Explores the contradictions and inconsistencies of Athens' attitude toward and treatment of commercial sex

Athenian Prostitution

The Business of Sex

Edward E. Cohen

Description

This is a pioneering study that examines the sale of sex in classical Athens from a commercial (rather than from a cultural or moral) perspective. Following the author's earlier book on Athenian banking, Athenian Prostitution analyzes erotic business at Athens not anachronistically, but in the context of the Athenian economy. For the Athenians, the social acceptability and moral standing of human labor was largely determined by the conditions under which work was performed. Pursued in a context characteristic of servile endeavor, prostitution—like all forms of slave labor—was contemptible. Pursued under conditions appropriate to non-servile endeavor, prostitution—like all forms of free labor—was not violative of Athenian work ethics. As a mercantile activity, however, prostitution was not untouched by Athenian antagonism toward commercial and manual pursuits; as the "business of sex," prostitution further evoked negativity from segments of Greek opinion uncomfortable with any form of carnality. Yet ancient sources also adumbrate another view, in which the sale of sex, lawful and indeed pervasive at Athens, is presented alluringly.

In Athenian Prostitution, Edward E. Cohen explores the high compensation earned by female sexual entrepreneurs who often controlled prostitutional businesses that were perpetuated from generation to generation on a matrilineal basis, and that benefitted from legislative restrictions on pimping. The author juxtaposes the widespread practice of "prostitution pursuant to written contract" with legislation targeting male prostitutes functioning as governmental leaders, and explores the seemingly contradictory phenomena of extensive sexual exploitation of slave prostitutes (male and female) coexisting with Athenian society's pride in its legislative protection of slaves and minors against sexual outrage.

Athenian Prostitution

The Business of Sex

Edward E. Cohen

INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: APHRODITÊ'S WORKERS IN DEMOCRATIC ATHENS
CHAPTER 2: PROSTITUTION AS A LIBERAL PROFESSION
CHAPTER 3: (COMMERCIAL) SEX AND THE CITY: RESTRICTIONS ON PROSTITUTES AS POLITICAL LEADERS
CHAPTER 4: "PROSTITUTION PURSUANT TO CONTRACT "
CHAPTER 5: BEYOND LEGALIZATION: LAWS AFFECTING PROSTITUTES
CHAPTER 6: MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS IN A FAMILY BUSINESS
CHAPTER 7: THE COSTS, AND REWARDS, OF SEXUAL SERVICE
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX

Athenian Prostitution

The Business of Sex

Edward E. Cohen

Author Information

Edward E. Cohen, Adjunct Professor of Classical Studies, University of Pennsylvania

Edward E. Cohen is Professor of Classical Studies and Ancient History (Adjunct) at the University of Pennsylvania.

Athenian Prostitution

The Business of Sex

Edward E. Cohen

Reviews and Awards

"an authoritative study, highly recommended for its clear writing, depth of analysis and density of interest ... Cohen brilliantly demonstrates how prostitution infiltrated all aspects of Greek culture" - Barbara Graziosi, Times Literary Supplement

"Not only does Cohen for the first time effectively situate Athenian prostitution within its economic and legal context, he challenges many traditional assumptions about citizenship, gender and sexuality along the way. The result is a much more nuanced account of Athenian society and how marginal members, particularly women and slaves, helped to shape it." - Laura K. McClure, Journal of Hellenic Studies

"Cohen is a highly regarded scholar specializing in the subjects of economics, commerce and legal matters ... The seven crisp chapters, densely packed with facts and figures, reveal the varied and sometimes contradictory picture of sexual commerce." - Brian A. Sparkes, Classics for All

"Cohen's book is an excellent study with a focus on the practical aspects of prostitution and a careful weighing of the available evidence. Anyone with an interest in ancient sex work, and with enough of a background in ancient Greece, will find this book extremely useful." - Stephanie Lynn Budin, American Historical Review