A courtesan, in the simplest of definitions was a prostitute, especially one associating with men of wealth and nobility. In reality, the courtesan was a woman who engaged in sex with these noble and wealthy men, but unlike the prostitute, who only offered sex, also served as mistress and companion in society. Today, the word courtesan is too quaint and other terms are used to describe the modern day courtesan, including, concubine, call girl, and harlot. In the strictest sense, courtesans plied their trade in an earlier time, but modern day courtesanship still exists, albeit under different names.

Since the courtesan was a symbol of richness in a man, they were granted many favors. This lady was swamped with lavish gifts, apartments, money and just about any object she desired. These paramours enjoyed riches and opulence without parallel in their time, including those of the wealthier women of the day.

The courtesan saw her heyday from about the beginning of the 15th century through the latter stages of the 19th century. Society was much different in those days. Upper class married couples usually lived separate lives. Marriages were not generally unions based on love, but rather ones that would preserve bloodlines and cement political alliances. Wealthy men would often take on a courtesan for sex and companionship.

Wives during this period were captives. The genteel woman was expected to be expert in the social etiquette of the day, such as running a household, having babies and being mainly window dressing for her husband. She was not expected to be well educated or well read on the events of the day, such as politics. In the latter parts of the courtesan period women gained a little more freedom but never to the extent that she was the equal of a man.

On the other hand, the courtesan saw many freedoms that women did not gain until much later, even into the 20th century. She was able to speak her mind at whatever she wanted. The courtesan was expected to be well-educated, well spoken, intelligent and worldly. She had to have the ultimate in social skills. Sex was only a part of the obligation for a courtesan. She had to be ready to dress well and engage in talk on topics ranging from art to war, including such subject matter as music and politics.

It seemed but a small pittance for a women to give up her body in return for the freedom a courtesan would have. She was free to take on several lovers and discard them when better offers came along. The courtesan could speak her mind on any and all subjects. She was not tied down to the normal religious and societal restraints of the day. The courtesan had long ago cast those aside.

Many married women of the day also became courtesans. This was a great arrangement if the woman were married to a man of lesser nobility. She could further her interests and gain freedoms and riches her husband could never provide and the husband could gain stature also. Many husbands took this marriage arrangement in stride if it helped them out also.

It seems rather offbeat that prostitutes and courtesans were even allowed to operate during this time. Everyone spoke out against women such as this, but in practice they were widely accepted. There seems to be no good, or even rational, explanation for society overlooking these types of women and the trade they took part in. All one can say is that it was an accepted practice and the courtesan enjoyed a much higher profile in society than the prostitute.