whores who changed the course of history

by Prof. Nannie Pfeffer 6 min read

5 Whores Who Changed The Course of History

  • 5 Rahab the Harlot
  • 4 Aspasia
  • 3 Nell Gwynn
  • 2 Georgina Beyer
  • 1 The Empress Theodora

But history is full of stories of prostitutes who parlayed their skills into positions of prestige and power. And some of them changed the world.
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5 Whores Who Changed The Course of History
  • 5 Rahab the Harlot. Where: ...
  • 4 Aspasia. Where: ...
  • 3 Nell Gwynn. Continue Reading Below. ...
  • 2 Georgina Beyer. ...
  • 1 The Empress Theodora.
Mar 13, 2009

Full Answer

Did a hooker change the course of history?

Mar 13, 2009 · 5 Whores Who Changed The Course of History 5 Rahab the Harlot 4 Aspasia 3 Nell Gwynn 2 Georgina Beyer 1 The Empress Theodora

Who are some people who made a difference and changed the world?

May 15, 2011 · And the Number One Famous Prostitute in History is… Catherine Walters. Sexy, smart, elegant and discreet, Catherine Walters was a truly sensational courtesan. Born in 1839, …

Who led the move to criminalize prostitution?

Jul 15, 2016 · 1 Lizzie LapeUnited States, 1853–1917. Photo credit: Unknown. Lizzie Lape was an Ohio madame and prostitute who ran multiple bordellos. Lizzie married eight times, once to her …

Who are some famous women who changed the world?

Shortly before her 23rd birthday, Marilyn Monroe — then known as Norma Jean Baker — posed nude in front of a photographer in exchange for $50, a sum she said she desperately needed to …

Why was Martha Jane Cannary Burke not cut out for prostitution?

Martha Jane Cannary Burke, commonly known as Calamity Jane, wasn’t really cut out for full-time prostitution, mainly because she looked like a man. Of course, when you sell your body to whisky-soaked soldiers at the Fort Laramie Three-Mile Hog Ranch, looks aren’t all that important.

Who was the type of woman to elegantly suggest retiring to the Boudoir before quite literally sucking both the money

A prim and proper high-class courtesan, Veronica Franco was the type of woman to elegantly suggest retiring to the boudoir before quite literally sucking both the money and the life out of her clients. Despite earning cash on her back, Franco was an educated do-gooder of some note in 16th century Venetian society.

What did Nell sell?

Before getting her first break as an actress, Nell sold oranges and lemons to members of the audience, often giving those members extra-special attention for a small tip. She eventually found fame as an actress, at which point she caught the eye of King Charles II of England.

When was Theodora born?

Theodora. Few women, if any, can match Theodora’s rise from cheap slut to empress and eventual saint. Born c.500 AD, the young Theodora started out servicing members in a Constantinople brothel. She soon became an “actress,” delighting crowds with weird sex-shows complete with rampant after-parties.

Who is Cora Pearl?

Cora Pearl. Cora Pearl was a classy little temptress. Born in England in 1835, she received an education in France before returning to London in pursuit of wealthy men. Not your average gutter whore, Cora had the looks and social skills to draw the gaze of some of Europe’s wealthiest gadabouts.

Did Sally Salisbury sell herself?

Sally Salisbury began selling herself while still in her early teens. She’d walk the streets of 18th century London “selling pamphlets” – and if any of the local lads happened to have half a crown, she’d happily lift her skirts for an hour-long shag session.

Who was Jane's lover in Calamity?

Thankfully, Calamity turned out to have a gift for scouting and killing Indians, saving countless frontier drunkards from an unpleasant scalping. Wild Bill Hickok — Jane’s on-off lover — wasn’t so lucky. He was killed playing poker, and Jane allegedly went after his murderer with a meat cleaver.

Who led the national movement to criminalize prostitution?

The national move to criminalize prostitution was led by Protestant middle-class men and women who participated in the revivalism movement of the 19th century. Many of the women who posed in 19th- and early-20th-century vintage erotica were prostitutes. The most famous were the New Orleans women who posed for E. J. Bellocq.

Who wrote the history of prostitution?

Bullough, Vern L. The history of prostitution (1964), a scholarly history.

What was the name given to the controlled buildings where prostitution was permitted by political and religious authorities?

Aztecs and Incas. Among the Aztecs, the Cihuacalli was the name given to the controlled buildings where prostitution was permitted by political and religious authorities. Cihuacalli is a Nahuatl word which means House of Women. The Cihuacalli was a closed compound with rooms, all looking over a central patio.

What happened to prostitutes in the Middle Ages?

By the High Middle Ages it was common to find town governments ruling that prostitutes were not to ply their trade within the town walls, but they were tolerated outside, only because these areas were beyond the jurisdiction of the authorities. In many areas of France and Germany town governments came to set aside certain streets as areas where prostitution could be tolerated. In London the brothels of Southwark were owned by the Bishop of Winchester. After this, it became common in the major towns and cities of Southern Europe to establish civic brothels. This allowed the government to outlaw any prostitution taking place outside these brothels. In much of Northern Europe a more tolerant attitude could be found towards prostitution. Prostitutes also found a fruitful market in the Crusades.

Why was prostitution tolerated in the Middle Ages?

Although all forms of sexual activity outside of marriage were regarded as sinful by the Roman Catholic Church, prostitution was tolerated because it helped prevent the greater evils of rape, sodomy and masturbation.

Why was prostitution prevalent in Southeast Asia?

Southeast Asia. In Southeast Asia, prostitution was mostly prevalent in Singapore, due to its active ports. Certain districts of Singapore were dedicated brothel districts sanctioned by the colonial governments. As colonial powers entered the Asian countries, there was an increase in number of sailors at ports.

What is the oldest profession in the world?

Prostitution has been practiced throughout ancient and modern culture. Prostitution has been described as "the world's oldest profession" although the oldest professions are most likely farmers, hunters, and shepherds.

Why is prostitution the oldest profession in the world?

It has been around for thousands of years in one form or another. Whether for money, trade, or protection, people have been selling their “goods” across the globe since the advent of quid pro quo. Throughout the centuries, numerous ladies of the evening have stood out from their peers as being somewhat more prestigious in their abilities. Here are ten of history’s most prominent prostitutes.

Why did Joshua send two spies to Rahab's house?

Before entering the city, Joshua sent two spies to Rahab’s in order to properly assess the military strength of Jericho. When Jericho’s soldiers went to capture the spies believed to be under Rahab’s roof, she hid the men under piles of flax and barley.

What did the Thais do to destroy Persepolis?

Aside from being arm candy to one of the greatest military commanders of all time, Thais also instigated the burning of Persepolis. She gave a speech at the palace of Persepolis and called for its destruction. She was the second person after Alexander to ceremoniously throw a torch into the building.

What was Phryne's real name?

Perhaps one of the most famous ladies of the night to come out of ancient Greece, Phryne was a courtesan whose real name was Mnesarete, which meant “to commemorate virtue.”. Her real name notwithstanding, Phryne was eventually charged with impiety.

Where does the story of Rahab come from?

The story of Rahab comes from the Book of Joshua in the Torah and tells of a woman who ran an inn and brothel adjacent to the wall of Jericho during that city’s siege by the Israelites, commanded by Joshua. Before entering the city, Joshua sent two spies to Rahab’s in order to properly assess the military strength of Jericho.

Who was Anne Boleyn's sister?

The lesser-known sister of Anne Boleyn, Mary Boleyn often sat in her sibling’s shadow. She was a courtesan and lady in waiting who was known by many in France as “ The English Mare ” due to her sexual proclivities. Many stories recount the use of her sexuality to gain favors in court, and she was a mistress of both the English and French kings for a time. It is believed that she died around the age of 40 or 41, though her burial site is unknown.

Who was Catherine Walters?

Catherine Walters, also known as “Skittles,” was considered to be one of the last great courtesans of Victorian London. She was considered to be very beautiful and was also a trendsetter, having elevated the hobby of horse riding for women in Victorian London due to her “Princess riding habit” that the ladies emulated whenever they could.

Who said well behaved women rarely make history?

by Mala vika Madgula. fact checked by Jamie Frater. It is said that well-behaved women seldom make history. Throughout the ages, there have been queens, rulers, and empresses who defied traditional roles and behaviors to wield power, influence, and authority that forever changed the course of history.

What was Didda's power?

Didda may have been ambitious and cruel, but she effectively ensured the longevity of her dynasty. The region’s history still remembers her as one of the greatest rulers ever.

Why was Queen Ranavalona I called Mad Monarch?

Queen Ranavalona I of Madagascar wasn’t known by the abominable moniker “mad monarch” for nothing. Suspected of poisoning her husband to succeed him, she initiated a brutal campaign against those who refused to abandon Christianity during her harrowing 33-year reign.

What was Theodora known for?

Having performed onstage from a young age, the young Theodora was infamous for her salacious interpretation of Leda and the Swan, where she stripped onstage to the barest minimum. However, Theodora’s kismet changed when she met and married Justinian I, heir to throne of the Byzantine Empire.

Why is Irene so famous?

Ultimately, she died in exile. Irene is remembered for being instrumental in restoring the use of icons in the Eastern Roman Empire and is revered as a saint in the Greek Orthodox Church.

Who was the Queen of Rome during the Great Theological Schism of the 8th century?

During the great theological schism of the eighth century, Queen Regent Irene occupied the Byzantine throne, entirely reversing the “ no icons ” belief of her husband Leo IV and sparking total outrage. She also improved relations between the Church of Rome and the Orthodox Church.

Did Didda of Kashmir have her own grandsons?

In the case of Queen Didda of Kashmir, she did away with her own grandsons on her way to sovereignty. Alternating between kindness and cruelty, Didda dominated Kashmir’s monarchy for the better part of the 10th century.

Who was Sarah Horton Cockrell?

Sarah Horton Cockrell. As pioneer settlers of Dallas, Sarah Horton Cockrell and her husband bought a headright of land at the Trinity River near downtown Dallas, and opened a ferry service. The couple also owned other business ventures including construction and real estate.

Who was the journalist who helped dismantle the power of George Parr?

Caro Crawford Brown. Fearless journalist Caro Crawford Brown won the 1955 Pulitzer Prize for Journalism after her work helped dismantle the power of infamous political boss George Parr. Brown worked for the Alice Daily Echo, and was assigned to cover Parr after her fellow reporter was killed while investigating the Parr family.

Who is Clara Driscoll?

Clara Driscoll (Left) and Adina De Zavala (Right) images are public domain. These two staunch protectors of Texas history worked together to protect and preserve crucial Texas historical sites and artifacts. De Zavala created the Texas Historical Landmarks Association, and Driscoll prevented the destruction of the Alamo with the help ...

Who was Lizzie Johnson?

Lizzie Johnson's family moved to Texas when she was four years old. Her first career was as a school teacher in Hays County, but she subsequently opened her own school in Austin. A contemporary and acquaintance of cattle barons George Littlefield, William Day and Charles Whitis, Johnson recognized the investment opportunities afforded by the cattle industry, and in 1871, she registered her own cattle brand and purchased 10 acres of land to start her own cattle business. She became known as one of the early Texas Cattle Queens, and was the first woman to ride the famed Chisholm Trail with her livestock.

What was Angelina Eberly's impact on Texas history?

Though not a native Texan, Angelina Eberly was a courageous woman and an important figure Texas history. In December of 1842 Eberly made her mark on history when she fired a cannon into the General Land Office building, alerting the city of a theft taking place. The theft in question was being committed by none other than Texas Governor Sam Houston himself, who was quietly planning to remove the Texas archival documents from Austin to Houston, in an attempt to move the capital of Texas to Houston. Her efforts, which are now known as the Archive War, earned her the moniker "The Savior of Austin", and a statue depicting the famous cannon blast now sits in downtown Austin on Congress Avenue, between 6th and 7th Streets.

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Ancient Near East

  • The Ancient Near East was home to many shrines, temples, or "houses of heaven," which were dedicated to various deities. These shrines and temples were documented by the Greek historian Herodotus in The Histories, where sacred prostitution was a common practice. Sumerian records dating back to ca. 2400 BCE are the earliest recorded mention of prost...
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Biblical References

  • Prostitution was commonplace in ancient Israel. There are a number of references to prostitution in the Hebrew Bible. The Biblical story of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:14–26) provides a depiction of prostitution being practiced in that time period. In this story, the prostitute waits at the side of a highway for travelers. She covers her face in order to identify herself as a prostitute…
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Aztecs and Incas

  • Among the Aztecs, the Cihuacalli was the name given to the controlled buildings where prostitution was permitted by political and religious authorities. Cihuacalli is a Nahuatl word that means House of Women. The Cihuacalli was a closed compound with rooms, all looking over a central patio. At the center of the patio was a statue of Tlazolteotl, the goddess of purification, s…
See more on en.wikipedia.org

Antiquity

  • Greece
    In ancient Greece, both women and men engaged in prostitution. The Greek word for prostitute is porne (Gr: πόρνη), derived from the verb pernemi (to sell). The English word pornography, and its corollaries in other languages, are directly derivative of the Greek word pornē (Gr: πόρνη). Femal…
  • Rome
    Prostitution in ancient Rome was legal, public, and widespread. Even Roman men of the highest social status were free to engage prostitutes of either sex without incurring moral disapproval, as long as they demonstrated self-control and moderation in the frequency and enjoyment of sex. L…
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Middle Ages

  • During the Middle Ages prostitution was commonly found in urban contexts. Although all forms of sexual activity outside of marriage were regarded as sinful by the Roman Catholic Church, prostitution was tolerated because it helped prevent the greater evils of rape, sodomy and masturbation. Augustine of Hippo is quoted saying, "if you expel prostitution from society, you w…
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18th Century

  • According to Dervish Ismail Agha, in the Dellâkname-i Dilküşâ, the Ottoman archives, in the Turkish baths, the masseurs were traditionally young men who helped wash clients by soaping and scrubbing their bodies. They also were referred to as sex workers. The Ottoman texts describe who they were, their prices, how many times they could bring their customers to orgas…
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19th Century

  • In North America, prostitution was seen as a "necessary evil" that aided in marital fidelity, especially as a system that would allow men to obtain sex when their wives did not desire it.D'Emilio and Freedman document that prostitution was not a crime in the early part of the 19th century, and thus brothels (or bawdy houses) were tolerated in American cities and the laws aga…
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20th Century

  • During World War I, in the colonial Philippines, US armed forces developed a prostitute management program called the "American Plan" which enabled the military to arrest any woman within five miles of a military cantonment. If found infected, a woman could be sentenced to a hospital or a farm colony until cured. Beginning in the 1910s and continuing in some places into …
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21st Century

  • In the 21st century, Afghans revived a method of prostituting young boys, which is referred to as bacha bazi. Since the break up of the Soviet Union thousands of eastern European women have become prostitutes in China, Western Europe, Israel, and Turkey every year. There are tens of thousands of women from eastern Europe and Asia working as prostitutes in Dubai. Men from S…
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United Kingdom

  • The United Kingdom introduced the Sexual Offences Act of 1956 which would partly be repealed and altered by the Sexual Offences Act 2003. While this law did not criminalise the act of prostitution itself, it did prohibit such activities as running a brothel and soliciting for paid sex.
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