Courtesans were women in historical societies who provided companionship and entertainment, often to wealthy and influential men. Unlike common prostitutes, courtesans were typically educated and skilled in arts such as music, dance, and conversation. They often held a higher social status and could engage in intellectual discussions, making them sought after in elite circles. In various cultures, such as in Ancient Rome and Imperial China, courtesans played significant roles in social and political life. They were sometimes patrons of the arts and could influence cultural trends. Their relationships with powerful men often provided them with financial security and social standing.