Tag: sacred prostitution

The Oldest Profession: Prostitution in 2400 BCE Mesopotamia

Mar 17 2026 / History & Culture

Prostitution in 2400 BCE Mesopotamia was a legal, regulated occupation tied to religion and economy-not just sin or scandal. The Code of Hammurabi protected sex workers, and the Epic of Gilgamesh shows their cultural power.

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The Real Economics of Brothels in Ancient Near Eastern Cities: Tax, Status, and Regulation

Feb 1 2026 / History & Culture

Contrary to popular belief, ancient Near Eastern cities like Uruk and Babylon had no state-regulated brothels, temple prostitutes, or taxes on sex work. Evidence from cuneiform texts shows sexual commerce, if it occurred, was informal and unrecorded.

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