Lais of Corinth

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Lais of Corinth was a legendary hetaera or courtesan of ancient Greece who was born probably in Corinth. Another hetaera (a younger one) with the same name was Lais of Hyccara. Since ancient authors in their (usually indirect) accounts often confuse them or do not indicate which they refer to, the two are inextricably linked.

Lais of Corinth lived during the time of the Peloponnesian War and was said to be the most beautiful woman of the time. Among her numerous lovers was philosopher Aristippus (two of his writings were about Lais) and an Olympic champion Eubotas of Cyrene. In her old age she became an alcoholic and died in Corinth.

[edit] References

• William Smith, Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, 1870. [1]