Prostitution in Ancient Rome

In Ancient Rome, prostitutes were called meretrix, meaning “earning with the body”. They were divided into different categories based on their status.

The lowest class of prostitutes worked in small, dirty, narrow lodges on the streets. These lodges, called lupanar (meaning “female wolf caves”), were disgusting and smelled bad. The name came from the idea of a wolf (Iupa) hunting and bringing its prey to the lupanar.

Although prostitutes were often treated badly and isolated from society, they were also seen as protectors of families. They helped prevent attacks on married women or young girls by men. However, they were still looked down upon, isolated, and sometimes locked up. They had to appear like respectable wives and were only allowed to serve honorable men. Prostitutes were not allowed to build families or have children. To make them easily recognizable, they had to wear special clothes Coastal Bulgaria Holidays.

Prostitution was important for Roman men because a man’s sexual life was closely connected to ensuring his family’s legacy and passing down his wealth. While women tried various methods to avoid pregnancy, it was essential for a man to have at least two children, one of whom had to be a boy, to continue his family’s fortune. After having children, men often preferred to meet their sexual needs with prostitutes or other men. Therefore, prostitution was a common and widely accepted practice in Ancient Rome.

The Ottoman Sultan’s Love for Arts

The Ottoman Sultan had a deep interest in the beautiful arts like illumination, Islamic calligraphy, music, painting, and wood carving. This passion was so strong that it greatly influenced both the practice and application of these arts.

As a prince, Yavuz Sultan Selim learned the art of jewelry in Trabzon and even carved coins in the name of his father, Sultan Beyazid II. Kanuni Sultan Suleyman also studied jewelry and, according to historian Evliya Çelebi, he was the first to organize a jewelry fair in the Kağıthane district.

Some of the finest examples of Ottoman jewelry, such as the emerald dagger, Kaşıkçı diamond, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman’s ivory mirror, golden cradle, and ceremonial throne, are displayed at the Topkapi Palace.

Today, Turkish jewelry holds an important place in the world, ranking second in exports and leading in production.