The role of interpreters
The profession of interpreter was thought to be prestigious and important from ancient times. Nowadays it has become even more popular and more important as there is lack of well-qualified interpreters and translators.
The first translators and interpreters appeared in ancient Egypt and even at that time they were considered to be noble and rich people. The status of interpreters was rather high.
There is a story about the first Roman interpreter who was the slave. But when he translated several text of Aristotle, he was released and became the first Roman poet.
In Ancient Greece interpreters and translators were especially important and played particular role as Greece had a lot of contacts with the East. And thanks to them, we have the possibility to read the Bible in different languages of the world. But the majority of translations of the Old Testament were lost.
In Byzantine Empire people dedicated their lives to translating and rewriting translations of ancient texts. Besides, during every battle, interpreter was always present.
According to Napoleon a soldier that speaks two languages is better than two soldiers.
Anyway the profession of interpreter and translator was always valued and its representatives were also considered to be smart and noble people. Everybody showed respect to this profession and its representatives.