The history of prostitution in the world

News24xx.com - Prostitution has always been a sensitive topic. Regardless of the controversies surrounding it, the practice of prostitution has existed since thousands of years ago.

According to the study of Ehsan Rostamzadeh from National University of Malaysia (UKM) and his friends, prostitution had existed since 4000 years ago in ancient Egypt civilization, which later also appeared in other ancient civilizations like Babylonian and Iberian. What makes it different from modern prostitution is that ancient prostitution was done for religious purposes.

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In the book “Love For Sale: A World History of Prostitution” by Nils Johan Ringdal, it is mentioned that in the area of Mesopotamia, which was located between Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, there were several tribes who lived there. Sumerian people who lived in Mesopotamia between 5.500 and 4000 BC were the first people who built temples.

During these times, the women who served the Goddess Ishtar, the goddess of love and war, offered themselves to men to gain money for their temples. The offer was to use the “holy power” that came from their bodies. Ishtar was known as the goddess who protected prostitutes called harimtu.

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A historian from 5th century BC, Herodotus, had mentioned that he saw Babylonian women having sex with foreign men in Ishtar temple. He said
that every woman would do it at least once in their lives. To the maidens, that was how they lost their virginity.

In Syria, Herodotus said that women sold their hair or their body to get money for the love goddess, Astarte. Prostitution was also done in ancient Egypt, as proven from the paintings, mythology and writings about prostitution during that era.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, prostitution developed widely. According to “Encyclopedia of Relationships Across The Lifespan” by Jeffrey S. Turner, prostitution was considered an unavoidable crime. Every city in Europe had their own way in managing prostitution. For example, in Paris, prostitutes were forbidden to enter certain areas.

In some cities in England, sex workers had to wear certain clothes that showed their profession. In Middle Ages, prostitution was done to avoid greater moral problem, like masturbation, which was considered a great sin.
 

 

 

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