Praecia (fl. 73 BC) was a Roman courtesan, famed for her influence within Roman politics. She was active as a professional high class courtesan in Rome. She was known for her wide net of high-profile clients among the political elite, and for using her contacts to benefit the political careers of her clients, which made her a popular and valuable figure in contemporary political life. A known example of her activity was when she was asked by her client

Lucullus Lucius Licinius Lucullus (; 118–57/56 BC) was a Roman general and statesman, closely connected with Lucius Cornelius Sulla. In culmination of over 20 years of almost continuous military and government service, he conquered the eastern kingdom ...

to ask her other client Publius Cornelius Cethegus to appoint Lucullus governor of

Cilicia Cilicia (); el, Κιλικία, ''Kilikía''; Middle Persian: ''klkyʾy'' (''Klikiyā''); Parthian: ''kylkyʾ'' (''Kilikiyā''); tr, Kilikya). is a geographical region in southern Anatolia in Turkey, extending inland from the northeastern coa ...

, a task she performed successfully. She is one of few free influential Roman courtesans mentioned by her contemporaries, others being

Volumnia Cytheris Volumnia Cytheris (fl. 1st-century BC) was an ancient Roman actress and mimae dancer. She is foremost known as the mistress of several famous Romans. She was originally a slave and later freedwoman. On stage, she was normally referred to only a ...

and

Chelidon Chelidon (fl. 74 BC) was a Roman courtesan, famed for her influence during the praetorship of Gaius Verres. She was a freedwoman and a successful professional high class courtesan. She was introduced to Gaius Verres by the courtesan Pippa and Ter ...

. Anise K. Strong:
Prostitutes and Matrons in the Roman World
'

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Praecia 1st-century BC Roman women 1st-century BC Romans Ancient Roman courtesans