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| In the ] of ], the '''eromenos''' (] ἐρώμενος, pl. "eromenoi") was an ] boy who was in a love relationship with an adult man, known as the ] (ἐραστής). The relationship was typically of a ] and while it was also typically affectionate and passionate it was not necessarily sexual. | In the ] of ], the '''eromenos''' (] ἐρώμενος, pl. "eromenoi") was an ] boy who was in a love relationship with an adult man, known as the ] (ἐραστής). The relationship was typically portrayed as being of a ] and while it was also typically affectionate and passionate, it was not necessarily sexual. There is still scholarly debate as to whether oral, anal, or intercrural intercourse played a role in Greek pederastic relationships. | ||
| ] redfigured plate (tondo) with a scene of ] from ] in ] (530-430 BCE)]] | ] redfigured plate (tondo) with a scene of ] from ] in ] (530-430 BCE)]] | ||
| Different terms were used in other ], such as ''aites'' (hearer) in ] and ''kleinos'' (glorious) and ''parastathenes'' (sidekick) in ]. | Different terms were used in other ], such as ''aites'' (hearer) in ] and ''kleinos'' (glorious) and ''parastathenes'' (sidekick) in ]. | ||
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| The eromenos was valued for his beauty, but even more for his modesty, industriousness and courage. In ]'s '']'' 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" | The eromenos was valued for his beauty, but even more for his modesty, industriousness and courage. In ]'s '']'' 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) 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. | Upon reaching the age of maturity (ca. eighteen years) 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. This transition to full citizenship and manhood was traditionally accompanied by the growth of facial and pubic hair. | ||
| "Eromenos" is traditionally translated into ] as "beloved", although this is not a perfect match for the concept. | "Eromenos" is traditionally translated into ] as "beloved", although this is not a perfect match for the concept. | ||
Revision as of 05:55, 1 November 2006
In the pederastic tradition of Classical Athens, the eromenos (Greek ἐρώμενος, 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 portrayed as being of a pedagogical nature and while it was also typically affectionate and passionate, it was not necessarily sexual. There is still scholarly debate as to whether oral, anal, or intercrural intercourse played a role in Greek pederastic relationships.
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) 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. This transition to full citizenship and manhood was traditionally accompanied by the growth of facial and pubic hair.
"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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