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Revision as of 20:54, 28 July 2006
In the pederastic tradition of Classical Athens, the eromenos (Greek ἐρόμενος, pl. "eromenoi") was an adolescent boy who was in a love relationship with an adult man, known as the erastes (ἐραστής). The relationship was typically of a pedagogical nature and while it was also typically affectionate and passionate it was not necessarily sexual.
Different terms were used in other poleis, such as aites (hearer) in Sparta and kleinos (glorious) and parastathenes (sidekick) in Crete.
The eromenos was valued for his beauty, but even more for his modesty, industriousness and courage. In Plato's Symposium eromenoi were described as the "best" boys, and their characteristic was that "they love men and enjoy living with men and being embraced by men"
Upon reaching the age of maturity (ca. eighteen years of age) the eromenos would cut his long hair and become eligible for taking on the role of erastes and courting and winning an eromenos of his own.
"Eromenos" is traditionally translated into English as "beloved", although this is not a perfect match for the concept.
See also
References
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