The Eunuch in Byzantine History and Society

Nonfiction, History, Greece, Medieval, Ancient History
Cover of the book The Eunuch in Byzantine History and Society by Shaun Tougher, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Shaun Tougher ISBN: 9781135235703
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: June 2, 2009
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Shaun Tougher
ISBN: 9781135235703
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: June 2, 2009
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The existence of eunuchs was one of the defining features of the Byzantine Empire. Covering the whole span of the history of the empire, from the fourth to the fifteenth centuries AD, Shaun Tougher presents a comprehensive survey of the history and roles of eunuchs, making use of extensive comparative material, such as from China, Persia and the Ottoman Empire, as well as about castrato singers of the eighteenth century of Enlightenment Europe, and self-castrating religious devotees such as the Galli of ancient Rome, early Christians, the Skoptsy of Russia and the Hijras of India.

The various roles played by eunuchs are examined. They are not just found as servile attendants; some were powerful political players – such as Chrysaphius who plotted to assassinate Attila the Hun – and others were prominent figures in Orthodoxy as bishops and monks. Furthermore, there is offered an analysis of how society thought about eunuchs, especially their gender identity - were they perceived as men, women, or a third sex?

The broad survey of the political and social position of eunuchs in the Byzantine Empire is placed in the context of the history of the eunuch in general. An appendix listing key eunuchs of the Byzantine Empire describing their careers is included, and the text is fully illustrated.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The existence of eunuchs was one of the defining features of the Byzantine Empire. Covering the whole span of the history of the empire, from the fourth to the fifteenth centuries AD, Shaun Tougher presents a comprehensive survey of the history and roles of eunuchs, making use of extensive comparative material, such as from China, Persia and the Ottoman Empire, as well as about castrato singers of the eighteenth century of Enlightenment Europe, and self-castrating religious devotees such as the Galli of ancient Rome, early Christians, the Skoptsy of Russia and the Hijras of India.

The various roles played by eunuchs are examined. They are not just found as servile attendants; some were powerful political players – such as Chrysaphius who plotted to assassinate Attila the Hun – and others were prominent figures in Orthodoxy as bishops and monks. Furthermore, there is offered an analysis of how society thought about eunuchs, especially their gender identity - were they perceived as men, women, or a third sex?

The broad survey of the political and social position of eunuchs in the Byzantine Empire is placed in the context of the history of the eunuch in general. An appendix listing key eunuchs of the Byzantine Empire describing their careers is included, and the text is fully illustrated.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The World Bank and Governance by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book The Disease of Virgins by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book Psychic Suffering by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book Exploring Desire and Intimacy by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book Politics By Other Means by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book Postcolonial Approaches to Latin American Children’s Literature by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book A Shadow of Glory by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book Monopoly Television by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book Parents and Children by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book Africans in Britain by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book The Satanism Scare by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book Barth's Interpretation of the Virgin Birth by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book Chick Lit by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book Speech and Language Difficulties in the Classroom by Shaun Tougher
Cover of the book British Foreign Policy Towards Turkey, 1959-1965 by Shaun Tougher
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy