Includes bibliographical references (pages 223-300) and index.
Contents:
1. Faithful wives and greedy prostitutes -- 2. Good little prostitutes -- 3. Powerful concubines and influential courtesans -- 4. Matrona as Meretrix -- 5. Can you know a Meretrix when you see one? -- 6. Prostitutes and matrons in the urban landscape -- 7. Pious prostitutes -- 8. The "whore" label in Western culture -- Conclusion: Liminal women.
Summary:
"Prostitutes and Matrons in the Roman World is the first substantial account of elite Roman concubines and courtesans. Exploring the blurred line between proper matron and wicked prostitute, it illuminates the lives of sexually promiscuous women like Messalina and Clodia, as well as prostitutes with hearts of gold who saved Rome and their lovers in times of crisis. It also offers insights into the multiple functions of erotic imagery and the circumstances in which prostitutes could play prominent roles in Roman public and religious life. Tracing the evolution of social stereotypes and concepts of virtue and vice in ancient Rome, this volume reveals the range of life choices and sexual activity, beyond the traditional binary depiction of wives or prostitutes, that were available to Roman women"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.