Sex-workers have been around for thousands of years. But what is the difference between the courtesans of yesteryear and Escorts of today?

According to the Collins English Dictionary, the term Escort is defined as ‘a person who accompanies another person of the opposite sex to a social event. Sometimes people are paid to be escorts.’ This definition does not include the exchange of money for sexual relations which for the most part is also ‘a’ role of the Escort. The Escort wears many hats. She (or he) must be skilled not only in the bedroom but also ‘hold their own.’ Like the courtesans of yesteryear, Escorts must be worldly, charming and sophisticated.

In Italy during the Renaissance, there were two types of courtesans. One was considered a lowly courtesan the other – the Cortizana Onesta – moved in the highest circles of society and was treated as an equal. This type of courtesan was worldly, well-dressed, sophisticated, witty, charming and could hold a conversation on a range of topics from politics to music. As well as having sex appeal – in other words, the Cortizana Onesta was intelligent and could hold her own amongst the wealthy and elite of Italian society. They were paid for their services or performed sexual favours to maintain their status.

Modern Escorts today are well-heeled, well dressed, well traveled and are great companions much like their Italian counterparts. BUT, they are not part of a royal court as some European courtesans were – they are independent workers. They work for themselves, pay taxes and contribute to society by offering a service and being law abiding and tax paying citizens.

Modern-day Escorts, offer a broad range of services from companionship and more, but what separates an escort from the courtesan’s of yesteryear is that Escorts have INDEPENDENCE.

They are free to work for themselves and set their standards. Most of all they get to work in an industry that they thoroughly enjoy, which creates a service which is not only mutually beneficial to client and worker but a service which has been in its various guises occurring for many centuries, indeed thousands of years.