Did you know escort services have been around for centuries? They started long before the internet, when travelers paid for companionship on dusty roads. Knowing where it all began helps you see why the business looks the way it does today.
In ancient times, wealthy men hired courtesans for entertainment and conversation. These arrangements were informal and often tied to households or temples. The idea was simple: pay for time and company, nothing more.
During the Middle Ages, cities like Venice andParis saw regulated brothels. The church tried to control them, but the demand stayed strong. Women who worked there were called “courtesans” or “ladies of the night.” They earned money and sometimes gained social influence.
By the 1700s and 1800s, the Industrial Revolution brought more travelers and money. Ports and railway stations became hotspots for escort work. Men could hire companions for a night before a business trip, and the service became more organized.
The 19th century also saw the rise of “call girls” who worked by appointment rather than on the street. This shift gave clients more privacy and made the business less visible to authorities. It laid the groundwork for today’s discreet booking methods.
In the early 20th century, many European cities tried to ban prostitution outright. Laws moved back and forth, creating a patchwork of legal zones. Some places forced the trade underground, while others tolerated it in specific districts.
The Netherlands took a different path. In 1911, the country legalized prostitution, allowing regulated windows in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Over the years, the city refined its rules, giving sex workers health checks and legal protection. This made the area a safe place for both workers and visitors.
1970s activism pushed the Dutch government to treat sex work as a legitimate job. In 1995, new laws required registration, health screenings, and strict window standards. Those changes helped reduce crime and improve working conditions. At the same time, other European cities watched and copied parts of the model.
When the internet arrived in the late 1990s, the whole system changed again. Websites let clients browse profiles, read reviews, and arrange meetings online. This shift gave workers more control over who they saw and when.
Modern Amsterdam combines historic windows with high‑tech booking apps. Virtual escorts and live‑stream shows now exist alongside traditional face‑to‑face meetings. The mix of old and new keeps the market flexible and draws tourists from all over the world.
Looking ahead, technology will keep reshaping the field. AI chatbots, secure payment platforms, and virtual reality experiences could become the next big thing. At the same time, Dutch law will likely keep focusing on safety, health, and workers’ rights.
Understanding the history of escorts shows why the industry isn’t just a modern phenomenon. It’s a long‑standing part of human society that adapts to culture, law, and tech. Whether you’re curious about the past or planning a visit, the story gives you a clear picture of what you’ll see today.
A personal, no-nonsense look at how Amsterdam's escorts evolved from the iconic red-light district to the fast-paced world of online bookings. Packed with facts and insider insights.
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