The Rise and Fall of the High Chamberlain Eutropius: Eunuch Identity, the Third Sex and Power in Fourth-Century Byzantium

Abstract

The eunuch Eutropius entered the imperial chamber of the Eastern Roman Empire before 393. Becoming High Chamberlain in 395, Eutropius eliminated a number of powerful rivals both in the army and in the consulate. He threatened these citadels of masculine power by attacking their senior members and by capturing their functions. He was the first eunuch to lead a military expedition in 396/7, winning the title of patrician and finally consul in 399. Violently attacked by the Western imperial court, this honour provoked his fall and death. Eutropius’ career reveals fundamental differences between the Eastern Roman Empire, where eunuchs were recognised as a gender and a legitimate power in counterpoise to the quintessentially masculine army, and the Western Roman Empire where masculine power was dominant.