Hi all,
Returning entries on Byzantine themes, today I wanted to touch the subject of eunuchs, quite numerous in the old and very appreciated court.
When we think of eunuchs, we do have in mind those men who are their sexual organs had been removed, or at least the testicles. However, for the Byzantines, the basic definition of eunuch was either incapable of procreation, while the way in which this was not possible was the least. For example, those with physical or psychological problems that made them impotent, despite being physically complete, eunuchs were also considered.
Eunuchs were very frequent in the court because, since they could not have children, it was felt that no charges accrue to leave them to the offspring as in other cases. Servants were considered perfect because it was believed that their lack of sexuality allowed them to dump the intelligence in the tasks. Despite this, the nobles hated them for their career and access to government positions, while envied the ease clergy celibacy, as the young castrated had no sexual appetites. Furthermore, they could reach the office of bishop (only denied access to the patriarchy)
The scorn that they professed to be translated into insults as effeminate beardless, unhealthy or sterile. It was also said that eunuchs cried a lot because they had lost the ability to control the emotions of men, they represented a disproportionate appetite for food and drink and gold. It was supposed to be angry easily and were accused of not looking at the eyes when talking, walking with members loose, talking too much or laugh inappropriately.
The eunuchs could be sexually active with both men and women alike. That meant an indictment of the church, because it allowed sex only for procreation, and if they could not have children intercourse could only be through vice and pleasure. They were considered taxable persons in relationships with men.
The two main ways of castration were as follows: The first is done by placing the child in a hot bath until the testicles are relaxed, then crushed with your fingers. The second option was a small incision to remove the eggs from the scrotal sac. Were made usually from age 7.
Even within the empire
castration was forbidden, many parents engaged with their children illegally because they knew that if he survived, he had many options to enter the court and thereby ensure the sustenance for the whole family.
And that's it for today
Greetings 
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