ABSTRACT
One of the distinguishing features of the later Roman empire is the institutionalisation of eunuchs at the imperial court. This development was especially commented upon by many fourth-century writers, and is reflected by the careers of several prominent grand chamberlains, such as Eusebius and Eutropius. This chapter will trace the phenomenon across the span of late antiquity (fourth to sixth centuries AD), but will be particularly concerned to examine why court eunuchs became such a feature of the Roman empire in this period. Several theories have already been propounded, and these will be reviewed and assessed before a final conclusion is reached.
