Heterosexuals were called women who lead a free lifestyle and became life friends and mistresses for many fans. Initially, this term appeared in Ancient Greece, but was later used in some other countries.
Who were the getters
Initially, slaves became getters, whom the mistresses taught to serve male masters and taught various sciences. Nevertheless, later free girls began to choose the profession of getters for themselves. She was not only popular, but also honorable. Demosthenes even said that a man just as needed a hetaira for spiritual comfort, as a slave woman is needed for carnal pleasures.
Often, getters played a very important role in the social life of the city. They were well educated, talented, beautiful and intelligent, so they could judge political events, as well as give valuable advice. Often, courtesans opened "evenings" in their homes and received guests every week - poets, politicians, philosophers, sculptors. They could influence the fate of people, helped to make useful connections and solve important issues.
Heterosexuals could marry, but in most cases they preferred to remain unmarried. Most often, such women had rich patrons who supported them and provided them with everything they needed. Often, hetaira turned lovers into life companions, and stayed with them like spouses. However, the benevolence of such women came at a high cost. Fans dated the getters if they were willing to pay the price they set, but the girls could either agree or refuse the meeting depending on whether they liked the man. Many of the representatives of this profession were very picky.
What getters should have been able to
It would be a mistake to believe that getters sold their bodies like moths. On the contrary, at the same time, women for amorous pleasures existed on a par with them. Heterosexuals were good not only in carnal pleasures, but also in communication. Intelligence, good education, the ability to clearly and correctly express their thoughts, were the basis of the image of a getter. These women not only seduced men, but also consoled them in grief, gave advice, taught new things, and raised their level of education. Striking examples are Cleonissa, who wrote several works on philosophy, which, alas, were lost along with many valuable works of antiquity, as well as Pigaret, known among her contemporaries for her amazing talent in the field of mathematics. It is worth mentioning the clever hetera Aspasia, who conquered the military leader Pericles with her education and beauty.
Many getters were able not only to talk on scientific topics, but also beautifully sing, dance, play musical instruments, pose for artists and sculptors.