As the relations of these unregistered women were, for the most part, with politicians and prominent citizens it was very difficult to deal with them effectively: they were protected by their customers, and they set a price upon their favors which was commensurate with the jeopardy in which they always stood.

The cells opened upon a court or portico in the pretentious establishments, and this court was used as a sort of reception room where the visitors waited with covered head, until the artist whose ministrations were particularly desired, as she would of course be familiar with their preferences in matters of entertainment, was free to receive them.

The houses were easily found by the stranger, as an appropriate emblem appeared over the door.

This emblem of Priapus was generally a carved figure, in wood or stone, and was frequently painted to resemble nature more closely.

The size ranged from a few inches in length to about two feet.