(Λαίς; Laís). The ‘general acquaintance’, from λαός (‘people’) [1] or from the Semitic, ‘lioness’. Popular name for hetaerae, which makes identification difficult.
Hetaera ( Hetaerae) from Corinth. L. is described as beautiful (Ath. 13,587d), quick-witted (in conversation with Euripides in Ath. 13,582cd; he quotes her Eur. Med. 1346), discriminating and expensive; in old age, L. is said to have beco…
Cite this page
Strothmann, Meret (Bochum),
“Lais”, in:
Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry.
Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e629040>