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This article is in desperate need of a revamp. Please improve it in any way necessary in order for it to achieve a higher standard of quality in accordance with our Manual of Style. A courtesan was a woman who attended royal courts, providing entertainment and intimate companionship to nobles in exchange for wealth and status. Because of the often sexual nature of their profession, the term became a common euphemism for prostitutes of all classes during the Italian Renaissance.
The term was especially preferred by the Italian Brotherhood of Assassins , who employed organized societies of courtesans for espionage as part of a tripartite system of allies which also utilized thieves and mercenaries. The Templar Order hired their own courtesans, such as Fiora Cavazza , for covert affairs that included assassinations.
Courtesans have a long history in human civilizations with upper-class hetairai such as Aspasia becoming highly influential on the intellectual and cultural development of Athens. In China , this role was largely served by the imperial concubines. In ancient Greece , the polis of Korinth was known for its hetairai , who were considered as one of the principal sources of revenue for the city. During the Peloponnesian War , the misthios Kassandra sought out Anthousa , the leader of the hetairai of Korinth for information about her mother 's whereabouts.
Though courtesans were mainly based in brothels within a city, many were known to stand along the streets — usually in groups of four — to entice customers. Each possessed a standard style of dress and hairstyle, as was deemed appropriate for those in their profession at the time. After the execution of Giovanni , Federico and Petruccio , Ezio Auditore da Firenze sought sanctuary with Paola and her courtesans, who taught him how to conceal himself in a crowd, pick pockets , and be "seen, but unseen" as they were.
