> Byzantines had eunuchs in court positions because they could never
> succeed to the throne themselves, being physically blemished.
And because they would have no dynastic ambitions themselves, which is probably more important. There's a good article comparing Byzantine court eunuchs to German court jews in "Conquerors & Slaves" by Keith Hopkins (also a v. good piece on Emperor Worship).
> By a similar principle dynastic rivals could be removed from conten-
> tion by blinding them, which was more humane than killing them.
Not more "humane" - more Christian. Thou Shalt Not Kill, but you can blind your rival, slice off his nose, tonsure him and lock him away in a remote or isolated monastery: you're not being naughty, and he has a chance to repent and save his immortal soul. Being humane didn't enter into it.
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Nick
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