Abstract
A case of androgynism from Byzantine literature is presented. External genital ambiguity along with intense sexual behavior, both in the active and in the passive way is commented in the context of sexual ethics of Medieval Byzantine culture, compared to the ancient Greco-Roman approach. Male pseudohermaphroditism is excluded from the differential diagnosis, given that all male pseudohermaphroditisms are cases of insufficient masculinization due to insufficient androgen production and/or action. True hermaphroditism is also excluded from the differential diagnosis, due to gradual regression of testicular tissue. Consequently, female pseudohermaphroditism due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia is the most probable diagnosis. Differential diagnosis among the forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia is further elucidated based on the features of sexual behavior. Insights in the variability of female sexual response emerge.
Highlights
Diodorus Siculus (Diodoros Sikeliotes) was a Greek historian, born in Agyrium of Sicily around 80 B.C
It is of particular importance that Diodorus included in his work, among events of such a huge historical significance as the Persian Wars or the great battles of Alexander the Great, a testimony of cases of androgynism noted in his era
While copying a manuscript by Diodoros Sikeliotes (Diodoros Siculus), stored in the Library of Photius and refering to androgynism, Theodore Skoutariotes, a monk and scholar of the 13th century, who served as an official during the royalty of Michael VIII Palaiologos (1259-1282 A.D.) noted: "A monster of this kind appeared in our times, rumored to possess simultaneously both sexes and exhibit both active and passive sexual behavior
Summary
Diodorus Siculus (Diodoros Sikeliotes) was a Greek historian, born in Agyrium (nowadays Agira) of Sicily around 80 B.C. While copying a manuscript by Diodoros Sikeliotes (Diodoros Siculus), stored in the Library of Photius and refering to androgynism, Theodore Skoutariotes, a monk and scholar of the 13th century, who served as an official during the royalty of Michael VIII Palaiologos (1259-1282 A.D.) noted: "A monster of this kind appeared in our times, rumored to possess simultaneously both sexes and exhibit both active and passive sexual behavior.
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