These areas were known as , and they were the only places where women were allowed to be prostitutes. Courtesans were collectively called , and they were very expensive. entertained men with singing, dancing, poetry, music and conversation as well. The highest ranking were called , and these women did not engage in prostitution like other . Instead, they would have one or two rich clients act as their patron, and these men would pay a lot of money to be entertained by the they were a patron of.