On the higher note for a woman tavern-keeper, there is Kubaba, on the Sumerian king list, described as "the woman tavern-keeper, who made firm the foundations of Kiš."
I have known online discussions on this to revolve about the way they were more astounded that a tavern keeper could become king than a woman -- but perhaps they have reason to fear conspiracies in taverns.
In French, the word to "stay" at a hotel is "descendre" (or to descend), and it implies the act that is required before entering the hotel: to get down out of a (railway) carriage. European hotels as we now have come to know them stemmed from the need that railways felt to accommodate passengers after rushing them by rail to a destination where they perhaps knew no one. The first in England served Euston Station in London, for 'travelling gentlemen'. The anonymity served their extramural proclivities admirably.
The practice of personal credentials that you mention brings to mind an article I wrote about the birth of Jesus. Of course, the story itself is shrouded in controversy:
- Did the Three Wise Men come to Bethlehem, Nazareth, or didn't they come at all?
- How come the star was 5.5 miles out?
But there's one character who I feel is missing from the traditional Nativity scene: the innkeeper.
- Did he charge for use of the stable, if the city was crammed and there was no room anywhere else?
- Why didn't he give up his own bed to a heavily pregnant woman?
- If Bethlehem was where Joseph came from, did he not have friends or relatives in town where they could have put up?
- And, if the requirement was to go to the city of one's birth, and if Mary and Joseph were not married at the time, why did she not go to where she was from?
On the higher note for a woman tavern-keeper, there is Kubaba, on the Sumerian king list, described as "the woman tavern-keeper, who made firm the foundations of Kiš."
I have known online discussions on this to revolve about the way they were more astounded that a tavern keeper could become king than a woman -- but perhaps they have reason to fear conspiracies in taverns.
Oh that is brilliant information - I love it! Thank you !
Glad you like it!
How very fascinating! Such great research. Thanks for all the hard work that you do!
That’s very kind of you to say - thank you !
Most welcome and most sincere!
really interesting, and shocking rules about women being put to death.
Yes, I was really surprised to learn how draconian they were.
In French, the word to "stay" at a hotel is "descendre" (or to descend), and it implies the act that is required before entering the hotel: to get down out of a (railway) carriage. European hotels as we now have come to know them stemmed from the need that railways felt to accommodate passengers after rushing them by rail to a destination where they perhaps knew no one. The first in England served Euston Station in London, for 'travelling gentlemen'. The anonymity served their extramural proclivities admirably.
The practice of personal credentials that you mention brings to mind an article I wrote about the birth of Jesus. Of course, the story itself is shrouded in controversy:
- Did the Three Wise Men come to Bethlehem, Nazareth, or didn't they come at all?
- How come the star was 5.5 miles out?
But there's one character who I feel is missing from the traditional Nativity scene: the innkeeper.
- Did he charge for use of the stable, if the city was crammed and there was no room anywhere else?
- Why didn't he give up his own bed to a heavily pregnant woman?
- If Bethlehem was where Joseph came from, did he not have friends or relatives in town where they could have put up?
- And, if the requirement was to go to the city of one's birth, and if Mary and Joseph were not married at the time, why did she not go to where she was from?
(https://endlesschain.substack.com/p/the-christmas-story)
For my own sins, I have written an article about a gay hotel here, if you wish to expand your researches: https://endlesschain.substack.com/p/la-but-confidential-a-cherished-memory.