Prostitution has been around since ancient times and it has always been a controversial topic. Brothels, an institution typically defined as a house of prostitution or an establishment that offers sexual services for money, have been especially controversial because they are so closely associated with the sex trade. In this article, we look at the history of prostitution and brothels, from their beginnings in ancient times to more modern times.
Prostitution in Ancient Times
The practice of prostitution is believed to have originated in ancient Mesopotamia, with the oldest known records of prostitution being found as early as 2600 BC. Early records of prostitution in Mesopotamia describe a thriving trade in which clients and sex workers could be of either gender. Some of the earliest forms of brothels were found in Pompeii, where large buildings functioned as a hotel where clients could pay for temporary lodging and sexual services.
In ancient Greece, brothels were a regular and accepted part of society. In Athens, brothels were permitted to operate openly and even taxed by the state. Similarly, the island of Sicily had a series of brothels operated by priestesses and open to clients of either gender.
The Roman Empire had a more organized system, with brothels legally sanctioned by the state. Brothels in Rome were registered and regulated; they were often indexed to specific areas of the city or town. Sex workers could make a living in these brothels, where they offered sexual services for money.
Prostitution in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, prostitution and brothels maintained their presence in Europe and Asia. In 13th century England, brothels were taxed and regulated, as per the king’s orders. In some cases, the brothel’s structure changed: instead of functioning as a single unit, multiple brothels could function under a single roof.
In Florence, Italy during the Renaissance, brothels were regulated and run under city control. Around this time, Venice also had a large number of brothels, which became known as “curtains”, because of the colorful curtains hung around the brothels to entice passersby. By the 16th century, prostitution had become so prevalent that it began to affect the city’s culture, and prompted a strong reaction against it from the Church.
Prostitution in Modern Times
The 19th century saw a decline in prostitution and with it a decline in the number of brothels. During this time, a lot of the regulations for prostitution and brothels had been swept away, leading to the rise of street prostitution and more underground forms of sexual transactions.
In the early 20th century, many countries in Europe began to introduce laws and regulations against prostitution and brothels. In France, for example, it was made illegal to run a brothel in 1892, with similar laws passed in Germany in 1908. Many countries also introduced zoning laws to try and limit the spread of brothels.
Today, the sex trade continues to exist in much of the world, and many countries have specific laws and regulations regarding prostitution and brothels. In the United States, in particular, prostitution is illegal but the laws regarding it vary from state to state. Along with the law, the perception and attitudes of prostitution have also shifted. Over the years, it has become more overt in the public eye, with the emergence of many ‘erotic’ businesses such as strip clubs, massage parlors, and online escort services.
Conclusion
The history of prostitution and brothels shows that this activity has been around for centuries. Despite changing laws and regulations, and shifting attitudes, prostitution and the institutions that facilitate it, such as brothels, still exist today. While the sex trade is often seen as a controversial subject, it is clear that it has been a part of society since ancient times.
