In today's modern society, prostitution is defined as the act or practice of engaging in promiscuous sexual intercourse, especially for money. Trafficking can be defined in terms of trafficking or trading in something illegal (Merriam-Webster). In many cultures, prostitution is actually illegal. So, is there a difference? Are there differences that distinguish prostitution and human trafficking, or are they simply different forms of the same industry? To answer this question, it is important to first understand the history of prostitution and human trafficking. Often called “the world's oldest profession,” prostitution has been found in the records of most major civilizations throughout human history. The first known reference to prostitution dates back to the ancient Sumerians, dating back to around 2400 BC. They spoke of prostitution as a religious activity, describing how it was used in temple services. As time passed, prostitution began to appear in other societies. In Greece they were called pornoni. In Asia they were called orians. In Rome, depending on their registration status, they were meretrix or prostibulae. For a time, this worldwide practice of exchanging sexual favors for money was legal in all corners of the globe. In 590 AD, however, the king of Spain decided to outlaw the practice in his country. He decided that women who practiced prostitution should be whipped and forced into exile. Soon after, many other countries began implementing their own rules regarding the regulation of prostitution. In 1161, England established rules requiring that all those engaging in prostitution must be single. England also requested that all brothers...... half of document......discovery.com/investigation/prostitution/prostitution-history-04.html>."The campaign to save and restore the victims of human trafficking: Fact sheet: human trafficking." Administration for Children and Families. Network. April 12, 2012. .Jenkins, John Philip. "Prostitution." Encyclopedia Britannica online. Encyclopedia Britannica. Network. April 12, 2012. .Masci, David. “Human Trafficking and Slavery: Are the Nations of the World Doing Enough to Eradicate It?” The Researcher CQ 14.12 (2004): 275-94. Network. 01 April 2012. .Merriam-Webster. Merriam Webster. Network. April 12, 2012. .PBS. PBS. Network. April 12. 2012. .