Erastes - Revision history

Etenne at 22:35, 2 July 2022

2022-07-02T22:35:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:35, 2 July 2022
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	*[[Pederasty in ancient Greece]]		*[[Pederasty in ancient Greece]]
	~~{{Navbox Pederasty\|collapsed}}~~

	==External links==		==External links==

	*[http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0090-5917%28199405%2922%3A2%3C253%3ACAEEIA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-5&size=LARGE&origin=JSTOR-enlargePage Sara Monoson, "Citizen as Erastes: Erotic Imagery and the Idea of Reciprocity in the Periclean Funeral Oration"]		*[http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0090-5917%28199405%2922%3A2%3C253%3ACAEEIA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-5&size=LARGE&origin=JSTOR-enlargePage Sara Monoson, "Citizen as Erastes: Erotic Imagery and the Idea of Reciprocity in the Periclean Funeral Oration"]
			{{Navbox Pederasty\|collapsed}}
	{{Navbox Ancient Greece}}		{{Navbox Ancient Greece}}

Etenne at 22:35, 2 July 2022

2022-07-02T22:35:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:35, 2 July 2022
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	*[http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0090-5917%28199405%2922%3A2%3C253%3ACAEEIA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-5&size=LARGE&origin=JSTOR-enlargePage Sara Monoson, "Citizen as Erastes: Erotic Imagery and the Idea of Reciprocity in the Periclean Funeral Oration"]		*[http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0090-5917%28199405%2922%3A2%3C253%3ACAEEIA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-5&size=LARGE&origin=JSTOR-enlargePage Sara Monoson, "Citizen as Erastes: Erotic Imagery and the Idea of Reciprocity in the Periclean Funeral Oration"]
			{{Navbox Ancient Greece}}

	[[Category:Ancient Greece]]		[[Category:Ancient Greece]]

Dandelion: /* Responsibilities */

2019-05-07T07:01:20Z

Responsibilities

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:01, 7 May 2019
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	===Responsibilities===		===Responsibilities===
	[[File:Courtship Scene with Dogs and Hares.png\|thumb\|315px\|left\|Courtship Scene with Dogs and Hares. Attic red-figure cup attributed to the Brygos Painter, ca. 480. Rome, Villa Giulia 12B16.]]		[[File:Courtship Scene with Dogs and Hares.png\|thumb\|315px\|left\|Courtship Scene with Dogs and Hares. Attic red-figure cup attributed to the Brygos Painter, ca. 480 BCE. Rome, Villa Giulia 12B16.]]
	The function of the ''erastes'' was to love and educate—or provide for the education of—the youth. The nature of that education varied with the culture of their respective ''[[polis]]'', but generally was grounded in the physical culture of the [[Gymnasium (ancient Greece)\|gymnasium]], which included athletics and military training, as well as philosophical and musical studies. ''Erastai'' would on many occasions make a contract or promise with his intended or intendeds parents, setting the limits and terms of the relationship.		The function of the ''erastes'' was to love and educate—or provide for the education of—the youth. The nature of that education varied with the culture of their respective ''[[polis]]'', but generally was grounded in the physical culture of the [[Gymnasium (ancient Greece)\|gymnasium]], which included athletics and military training, as well as philosophical and musical studies. ''Erastai'' would on many occasions make a contract or promise with his intended or intendeds parents, setting the limits and terms of the relationship.

Dandelion: /* Characteristics of the role */

2019-04-11T21:32:18Z

Characteristics of the role

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:32, 11 April 2019
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	==Characteristics of the role==		==Characteristics of the role==
	[[File:Tomb of the Diver symposium.jpg\|thumb\|right\|250px\|Erastes and eromenos in a [[symposium]] scene from the [[Tomb of the Diver]] in Paestum. North wall (detail).]]		[[File:Tomb of the Diver symposium.jpg\|thumb\|right\|250px\|Erastes and eromenos in a [[symposium]] scene from the [[Tomb of the Diver]] in Paestum. North wall (detail).]]
	Iconographic representations of pederastic couples usually—but not always—depict the ''erastes'' as bearded, while the ''eromenos'' is always beardless. However, the ''erastes'' was typically not yet of marriageable age, roughly between twenty and thirty. Wide differences in age were considered an obstacle to such relationships, as evidenced by Aristotle's assertion that [[Solon]] could not have been the ''erastes'' of [[Peisistratos (Athens)\|Pisistratus]] as the difference in age between the two was too great (around 31 years).<ref>"It is evident from this that the story is mere gossip which states that Pisistratus was the youthful favourite of Solon and commanded in the war against Megara for the recovery of Salamis. It will not harmonize with their respective ages, as any one may see who will reckon up the years of the life of each of them, and the dates at which they died." Aristotle, ''The Athenian Constitution'', tr. Sir Frederic G. Kenyon.</ref>		Iconographic representations of pederastic couples usually—but not always—depict the ''erastes'' as bearded, while the ''eromenos'' is always beardless. However, the ''erastes'' was typically not yet of marriageable age, roughly between twenty and thirty years old. Wide differences in age were considered an obstacle to such relationships, as evidenced by Aristotle's assertion that [[Solon]] could not have been the ''erastes'' of [[Peisistratos (Athens)\|Pisistratus]] as the difference in age between the two was too great (around 31 years).<ref>"It is evident from this that the story is mere gossip which states that Pisistratus was the youthful favourite of Solon and commanded in the war against Megara for the recovery of Salamis. It will not harmonize with their respective ages, as any one may see who will reckon up the years of the life of each of them, and the dates at which they died." Aristotle, ''The Athenian Constitution'', tr. Sir Frederic G. Kenyon.</ref>

	When the relationship had a sexual aspect, the ''erastes'' was the active partner, and the love-making is usually depicted as frontal, standing up, and [[Intercrural sex\|between the thighs]]. In [[:Category:mythology\|mythology]] the ''erastes'' was exemplified by deities such as [[Zeus]] and [[Apollo]] and heroes such as [[Hercules]] and [[Orpheus]].		When the relationship had a sexual aspect, the ''erastes'' was the active partner, and the love-making is usually depicted as frontal, standing up, and [[Intercrural sex\|between the thighs]]. In [[:Category:mythology\|mythology]], the ''erastes'' was exemplified by deities such as [[Zeus]] and [[Apollo]], and heroes such as [[Hercules]] and [[Orpheus]].

	A number of ancient sources, such as [[Plato]]'s ''[[Phaedrus (Plato)\|Phaedrus]]'' and [[Aeschines]]' ''[[Against Timarchos]]'' indicate that the ideal ''erastes'' was restrained in his relations with his beloved, and his love was an expression of his generosity and sympathy. He is contrasted to the man who hires boys for his pleasure and "behaves grossly" with them, the mark of an abusive and uneducated person.<ref>Aeschines, ''Against Timarchos'', tr. Nick Fisher (2001) p. 103.</ref> Xenophon also comments, incidentally, on one of the characteristics of the ideal ''erastes'', indicating that such a man would hide nothing concerning the ~~boy~~ from the father of that youth.<ref>Xenophon, ''Symposium'', VIII.11.</ref>		A number of ancient sources, such as [[Plato]]'s ''[[Phaedrus (Plato)\|Phaedrus]]'' and [[Aeschines]]' ''[[Against Timarchos]]'', indicate that the ideal ''erastes'' was restrained in his relations with his beloved, and his love was an expression of his generosity and sympathy. He is contrasted to the man who hires boys for his pleasure and "behaves grossly" with them, the mark of an abusive and uneducated person.<ref>Aeschines, ''Against Timarchos'', tr. Nick Fisher (2001) p. 103.</ref> Xenophon also comments, incidentally, on one of the characteristics of the ideal ''erastes'', indicating that such a man would hide nothing concerning the ''eromenos'' from the father of that youth.<ref>Xenophon, ''Symposium'', VIII.11.</ref>

	In some states he was the one who initiated the love affair by courting or ritually kidnapping the boy, while in others, such as Sparta, it was the youth who requested the relationship. While the practice of pedagogic pederasty was encouraged and valorized, it seems to have been optional for the adult in all cities save Sparta, where it was mandated by law.		In some states he was the one who initiated the love affair by courting or ritually kidnapping the boy, while in others, such as Sparta, it was the youth who requested the relationship. While the practice of pedagogic pederasty was encouraged and valorized, it seems to have been optional for the adult in all cities save Sparta, where it was mandated by law.
	{{History}}		{{History}}
	''Erastai'' are often described as exerting a great deal of effort to attract the attention and the sympathy of an ''eromenos''. This task often led to street fights with other suitors, family arguments, outrageous behavior like sleeping on the boy's stoop, writing of love poems, bestowing of gifts, and at times outright coercion.		''Erastai'' are often described as exerting a great deal of effort to attract the attention and the sympathy of an ''eromenos''. This task often led to street fights with other suitors, family arguments, outrageous behavior like sleeping on the boy's stoop, writing of love poems, bestowing of gifts, and, at times, outright coercion.

	Among the typical gifts given by an ''erastes'' to an ''eromenos'' are pets such as birds. Of these [[Aristophanes]] asserts: "Lovers give noble birds to their beloveds".<ref>''Suda'', a643 [http://www.stoa.org/sol-bin/search.pl?db=REAL&search_method=QUERY&login=guest&enlogin=guest&user_list=LIST&page_num=1&num_per_page=100&searchstr=sexuality].</ref>		Among the typical gifts given by an ''erastes'' to an ''eromenos'' are pets such as birds. Of these [[Aristophanes]] asserts: "Lovers give noble birds to their beloveds".<ref>''Suda'', a643 [http://www.stoa.org/sol-bin/search.pl?db=REAL&search_method=QUERY&login=guest&enlogin=guest&user_list=LIST&page_num=1&num_per_page=100&searchstr=sexuality].</ref>

Dandelion: /* Responsibilities */

2019-04-11T21:30:47Z

Responsibilities

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 11 April 2019
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	===Responsibilities===		===Responsibilities===
	[[File:Courtship Scene with Dogs and Hares.png\|thumb\|315px\|left\|Courtship Scene with Dogs and Hares. Attic red-figure cup attributed to the Brygos Painter, ca. 480. Rome, Villa Giulia 12B16.]]		[[File:Courtship Scene with Dogs and Hares.png\|thumb\|315px\|left\|Courtship Scene with Dogs and Hares. Attic red-figure cup attributed to the Brygos Painter, ca. 480. Rome, Villa Giulia 12B16.]]
	The function of the ''erastes'' was to love and educate—or provide for the education of—the youth. The nature of that education varied with the culture of their respective ''[[polis]]'', but generally was grounded in the physical culture of the [[Gymnasium (ancient Greece)\|gymnasium]], which included athletics and military training as well as philosophical and musical studies. ''Erastai'' would on many occasions make a contract or promise with his intended or intendeds parents setting the limits and terms of the relationship.		The function of the ''erastes'' was to love and educate—or provide for the education of—the youth. The nature of that education varied with the culture of their respective ''[[polis]]'', but generally was grounded in the physical culture of the [[Gymnasium (ancient Greece)\|gymnasium]], which included athletics and military training, as well as philosophical and musical studies. ''Erastai'' would on many occasions make a contract or promise with his intended or intendeds parents, setting the limits and terms of the relationship.

	Another responsibility often consisted in managing the financial affairs of the youth, especially if~~, as often happened,~~ he was fatherless~~, when~~ the ''erastes'' would ~~often~~ have control of the estate until the youth came of age. At times this led to abuses and accusations of mismanagement and outright theft, as in the case of [[Demosthenes#Accusations concerning personal life\|Demosthenes]] and his ''eromenos'' Aristarchus.<ref>Aeschines, op.cit.</ref> The ''erastes'' was generally an influential citizen, involved in the social and political life of his ''polis'', often married and a ''[[pater familias]]'', and enjoying a certain financial ease.		Another responsibility often consisted in managing the financial affairs of the youth, especially if he was fatherless; the ''erastes'' would have control of the estate until the youth came of age. At times this led to abuses and accusations of mismanagement and outright theft, as in the case of [[Demosthenes#Accusations concerning personal life\|Demosthenes]] and his ''eromenos'' Aristarchus.<ref>Aeschines, op.cit.</ref> The ''erastes'' was generally an influential citizen, involved in the social and political life of his ''polis'', often married and a ''[[pater familias]]'', and enjoying a certain financial ease.

	Taking on the responsibilities of a pederastic relationship was not inexpensive, in particular at the time of the festivities which were mandated by tradition. In [[Cretan pederasty\|Crete]] this entailed a banquet and a number of ritual gifts: an ox, to sacrifice to [[Zeus]]; a military outfit, signifying the attainment of warrior status by the ''eromenos''; and a chalice symbolizing the youth's empowerment to attend ''symposia''—as well as possible religious and ritual roles. It was not uncommon for friends of the ''erastes'' to contribute to the expenses, the celebration uniting the friends of both partners, much like a modern major family event.		Taking on the responsibilities of a pederastic relationship was not inexpensive, in particular at the time of the festivities which were mandated by tradition. In [[Cretan pederasty\|Crete]] this entailed a banquet and a number of ritual gifts: an ox, to sacrifice to [[Zeus]]; a military outfit, signifying the attainment of warrior status by the ''eromenos''; and a chalice symbolizing the youth's empowerment to attend ''symposia''—as well as possible religious and ritual roles. It was not uncommon for friends of the ''erastes'' to contribute to the expenses, the celebration uniting the friends of both partners, much like a modern major family event.

	While the ideal pederastic bond was constructed as an act of generosity by the lover towards the beloved, the lover's cultivation of arete seems to have benefited himself as well as his young charge. According to Xenophon, it is self-evident that "any man, within the sight of his ''eromenos'', excels himself and avoids doing or saying things which are base or cowardly so that he may not be seen by him".<ref>Xenophon, ''Cynegeticus'', 12:20.</ref>		While the ideal pederastic bond was constructed as an act of generosity by the lover towards the beloved, the lover's cultivation of ''arete'' (excellence) seems to have benefited himself as well as his young charge. According to Xenophon, it is self-evident that "any man, within the sight of his ''eromenos'', excels himself and avoids doing or saying things which are base or cowardly so that he may not be seen by him".<ref>Xenophon, ''Cynegeticus'', 12:20.</ref>

	==Political metaphor==		==Political metaphor==

Dandelion: /* Characteristics of the role */

2019-04-10T07:55:06Z

Characteristics of the role

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:55, 10 April 2019
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	==Characteristics of the role==		==Characteristics of the role==
	[[File:Tomb of the Diver symposium.jpg\|thumb\|right\|250px\|Erastes and eromenos in a [[symposium]] scene from the [[Tomb of the Diver]] in Paestum. North wall (detail).]]		[[File:Tomb of the Diver symposium.jpg\|thumb\|right\|250px\|Erastes and eromenos in a [[symposium]] scene from the [[Tomb of the Diver]] in Paestum. North wall (detail).]]
	Iconographic representations of pederastic couples usually—but not always—depict the ''erastes'' as bearded, while the ''eromenos'' is always beardless. However, the ''erastes'' was typically not yet of marriageable age, roughly between twenty and thirty. Wide differences in age were considered an obstacle to such relationships, as evidenced by Aristotle's assertion that [[Solon]] could not have been the ''erastes'' of [[Peisistratos (Athens)\|Pisistratus]] as the difference in age between the two was too great (~~circa~~ 31 years).<ref>"It is evident from this that the story is mere gossip which states that Pisistratus was the youthful favourite of Solon and commanded in the war against Megara for the recovery of Salamis. It will not harmonize with their respective ages, as any one may see who will reckon up the years of the life of each of them, and the dates at which they died." Aristotle, ''The Athenian Constitution'', tr. Sir Frederic G. Kenyon.</ref>		Iconographic representations of pederastic couples usually—but not always—depict the ''erastes'' as bearded, while the ''eromenos'' is always beardless. However, the ''erastes'' was typically not yet of marriageable age, roughly between twenty and thirty. Wide differences in age were considered an obstacle to such relationships, as evidenced by Aristotle's assertion that [[Solon]] could not have been the ''erastes'' of [[Peisistratos (Athens)\|Pisistratus]] as the difference in age between the two was too great (around 31 years).<ref>"It is evident from this that the story is mere gossip which states that Pisistratus was the youthful favourite of Solon and commanded in the war against Megara for the recovery of Salamis. It will not harmonize with their respective ages, as any one may see who will reckon up the years of the life of each of them, and the dates at which they died." Aristotle, ''The Athenian Constitution'', tr. Sir Frederic G. Kenyon.</ref>

	When the relationship had a sexual aspect, the ''erastes'' was the active partner, and the love-making is usually depicted as frontal, standing up, and [[Intercrural sex\|between the thighs]]. In [[:Category:mythology\|mythology]] the ''erastes'' was exemplified by deities such as [[Zeus]] and [[Apollo]] and heroes such as [[Hercules]] and [[Orpheus]].		When the relationship had a sexual aspect, the ''erastes'' was the active partner, and the love-making is usually depicted as frontal, standing up, and [[Intercrural sex\|between the thighs]]. In [[:Category:mythology\|mythology]] the ''erastes'' was exemplified by deities such as [[Zeus]] and [[Apollo]] and heroes such as [[Hercules]] and [[Orpheus]].

Dandelion: /* Characteristics of the role */

2019-04-10T01:05:02Z

Characteristics of the role

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:05, 10 April 2019
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	When the relationship had a sexual aspect, the ''erastes'' was the active partner, and the love-making is usually depicted as frontal, standing up, and [[Intercrural sex\|between the thighs]]. In [[:Category:mythology\|mythology]] the ''erastes'' was exemplified by deities such as [[Zeus]] and [[Apollo]] and heroes such as [[Hercules]] and [[Orpheus]].		When the relationship had a sexual aspect, the ''erastes'' was the active partner, and the love-making is usually depicted as frontal, standing up, and [[Intercrural sex\|between the thighs]]. In [[:Category:mythology\|mythology]] the ''erastes'' was exemplified by deities such as [[Zeus]] and [[Apollo]] and heroes such as [[Hercules]] and [[Orpheus]].

	A number of ancient sources, such as [[Plato]]'s ''[[Phaedrus (Plato)\|Phaedrus]]'' and [[Aeschines]]' ''[[Against Timarchos]]'' indicate that the ideal ''erastes'' was restrained in his relations with his beloved, and his love was an expression of his generosity and sympathy. He is contrasted to the man who hires boys for his pleasure and "behaves grossly" with them, the mark of an abusive and uneducated person.<ref>Aeschines, ''Against Timarchos'', tr. Nick Fisher (2001) p. 103.</ref> Xenophon also comments, incidentally, on one of the characteristics of the ideal ''erastes'', indicating that such a man would hide nothing concerning the boy from the father of that youth.<ref>Xenophon, ''Symposium''; VIII.11.</ref>		A number of ancient sources, such as [[Plato]]'s ''[[Phaedrus (Plato)\|Phaedrus]]'' and [[Aeschines]]' ''[[Against Timarchos]]'' indicate that the ideal ''erastes'' was restrained in his relations with his beloved, and his love was an expression of his generosity and sympathy. He is contrasted to the man who hires boys for his pleasure and "behaves grossly" with them, the mark of an abusive and uneducated person.<ref>Aeschines, ''Against Timarchos'', tr. Nick Fisher (2001) p. 103.</ref> Xenophon also comments, incidentally, on one of the characteristics of the ideal ''erastes'', indicating that such a man would hide nothing concerning the boy from the father of that youth.<ref>Xenophon, ''Symposium'', VIII.11.</ref>

	In some states he was the one who initiated the love affair by courting or ritually kidnapping the boy, while in others, such as Sparta, it was the youth who requested the relationship. While the practice of pedagogic pederasty was encouraged and valorized, it seems to have been optional for the adult in all cities save Sparta, where it was mandated by law.		In some states he was the one who initiated the love affair by courting or ritually kidnapping the boy, while in others, such as Sparta, it was the youth who requested the relationship. While the practice of pedagogic pederasty was encouraged and valorized, it seems to have been optional for the adult in all cities save Sparta, where it was mandated by law.

Dandelion: /* Responsibilities */

2019-04-10T01:03:55Z

Responsibilities

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:03, 10 April 2019
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	Taking on the responsibilities of a pederastic relationship was not inexpensive, in particular at the time of the festivities which were mandated by tradition. In [[Cretan pederasty\|Crete]] this entailed a banquet and a number of ritual gifts: an ox, to sacrifice to [[Zeus]]; a military outfit, signifying the attainment of warrior status by the ''eromenos''; and a chalice symbolizing the youth's empowerment to attend ''symposia''—as well as possible religious and ritual roles. It was not uncommon for friends of the ''erastes'' to contribute to the expenses, the celebration uniting the friends of both partners, much like a modern major family event.		Taking on the responsibilities of a pederastic relationship was not inexpensive, in particular at the time of the festivities which were mandated by tradition. In [[Cretan pederasty\|Crete]] this entailed a banquet and a number of ritual gifts: an ox, to sacrifice to [[Zeus]]; a military outfit, signifying the attainment of warrior status by the ''eromenos''; and a chalice symbolizing the youth's empowerment to attend ''symposia''—as well as possible religious and ritual roles. It was not uncommon for friends of the ''erastes'' to contribute to the expenses, the celebration uniting the friends of both partners, much like a modern major family event.

	While the ideal pederastic bond was constructed as an act of generosity by the lover towards the beloved, the lover's cultivation of arete seems to have benefited himself as well as his young charge. According to Xenophon, it is self-evident that "any man, within the sight of his ''eromenos'', excels himself and avoids doing or saying things which are base or cowardly so that he may not be seen by him".<ref>Xenophon, ''Cynegeticus''; 12:20.</ref>		While the ideal pederastic bond was constructed as an act of generosity by the lover towards the beloved, the lover's cultivation of arete seems to have benefited himself as well as his young charge. According to Xenophon, it is self-evident that "any man, within the sight of his ''eromenos'', excels himself and avoids doing or saying things which are base or cowardly so that he may not be seen by him".<ref>Xenophon, ''Cynegeticus'', 12:20.</ref>

	==Political metaphor==		==Political metaphor==

Dandelion: /* Responsibilities */

2019-04-10T00:58:16Z

Responsibilities

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:58, 10 April 2019
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	===Responsibilities===		===Responsibilities===
	[[File:Courtship Scene with Dogs and Hares.png\|thumb\|315px\|left\|Courtship Scene with Dogs and Hares. Attic red-figure cup attributed to the Brygos Painter, ca. 480. Rome, Villa Giulia 12B16.]]		[[File:Courtship Scene with Dogs and Hares.png\|thumb\|315px\|left\|Courtship Scene with Dogs and Hares. Attic red-figure cup attributed to the Brygos Painter, ca. 480. Rome, Villa Giulia 12B16.]]
	The function of the ''erastes'' was to love and educate—or ~~see to~~ the education of—the youth. The nature of that education varied with the culture of their respective ''[[polis]]'', but generally was grounded in the physical culture of the [[Gymnasium (ancient Greece)\|gymnasium]], which included athletics and military training as well as philosophical and musical studies. ''Erastai'' would on many occasions make a contract or promise with his intended or intendeds parents setting the limits and terms of the relationship.		The function of the ''erastes'' was to love and educate—or provide for the education of—the youth. The nature of that education varied with the culture of their respective ''[[polis]]'', but generally was grounded in the physical culture of the [[Gymnasium (ancient Greece)\|gymnasium]], which included athletics and military training as well as philosophical and musical studies. ''Erastai'' would on many occasions make a contract or promise with his intended or intendeds parents setting the limits and terms of the relationship.

	Another responsibility often consisted in managing the financial affairs of the youth, especially if, as often happened, he was fatherless, when the ''erastes'' would often have control of the estate until the youth came of age. At times this led to abuses and accusations of mismanagement and outright theft, as in the case of [[Demosthenes#Accusations concerning personal life\|Demosthenes]] and his ''eromenos'' Aristarchus.<ref>Aeschines, op.cit.</ref> The ''erastes'' was generally an influential citizen, involved in the social and political life of his ''polis'', often married and a ''[[pater familias]]'', and enjoying a certain financial ease.		Another responsibility often consisted in managing the financial affairs of the youth, especially if, as often happened, he was fatherless, when the ''erastes'' would often have control of the estate until the youth came of age. At times this led to abuses and accusations of mismanagement and outright theft, as in the case of [[Demosthenes#Accusations concerning personal life\|Demosthenes]] and his ''eromenos'' Aristarchus.<ref>Aeschines, op.cit.</ref> The ''erastes'' was generally an influential citizen, involved in the social and political life of his ''polis'', often married and a ''[[pater familias]]'', and enjoying a certain financial ease.

Dandelion: /* Responsibilities */

2019-04-09T23:15:52Z

Responsibilities

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:15, 9 April 2019
Line 28:		Line 28:
	Taking on the responsibilities of a pederastic relationship was not inexpensive, in particular at the time of the festivities which were mandated by tradition. In [[Cretan pederasty\|Crete]] this entailed a banquet and a number of ritual gifts: an ox, to sacrifice to [[Zeus]]; a military outfit, signifying the attainment of warrior status by the ''eromenos''; and a chalice symbolizing the youth's empowerment to attend ''symposia''—as well as possible religious and ritual roles. It was not uncommon for friends of the ''erastes'' to contribute to the expenses, the celebration uniting the friends of both partners, much like a modern major family event.		Taking on the responsibilities of a pederastic relationship was not inexpensive, in particular at the time of the festivities which were mandated by tradition. In [[Cretan pederasty\|Crete]] this entailed a banquet and a number of ritual gifts: an ox, to sacrifice to [[Zeus]]; a military outfit, signifying the attainment of warrior status by the ''eromenos''; and a chalice symbolizing the youth's empowerment to attend ''symposia''—as well as possible religious and ritual roles. It was not uncommon for friends of the ''erastes'' to contribute to the expenses, the celebration uniting the friends of both partners, much like a modern major family event.

	While the ideal pederastic bond was constructed as an act of generosity by the lover towards the beloved, the lover's cultivation of arete seems to have benefited himself as well as his young charge. According to Xenophon, it is self-evident that "any man, within the sight of his ''eromenos'', excels himself and avoids doing or saying things which are base or cowardly so that he may not be seen by him".<ref>Xenophon, ''Cynegeticus''; 12:20</ref>		While the ideal pederastic bond was constructed as an act of generosity by the lover towards the beloved, the lover's cultivation of arete seems to have benefited himself as well as his young charge. According to Xenophon, it is self-evident that "any man, within the sight of his ''eromenos'', excels himself and avoids doing or saying things which are base or cowardly so that he may not be seen by him".<ref>Xenophon, ''Cynegeticus''; 12:20.</ref>

	==Political metaphor==		==Political metaphor==