What of the mistress in Athens?

Answer 1

In ancient Athens, the term "mistress" often referred to a woman who held a significant but unofficial relationship with a man, distinct from his legal wife. These relationships could involve companionship and intimacy, and mistresses, known as "hetairai," were often more educated and socially prominent than typical Athenian women. Hetairai played a crucial role in Athenian social life, attending symposia and engaging in intellectual discussions, though they were still marginalized in terms of legal status and societal recognition. The dynamics of these relationships illustrate the complexities of gender and social class in ancient Greece.