Court Eunuchs

Physique of a Eunuch:

A. They are men castrated at an early age.

1. Procedure was quite crude and painful; death was quite a possibility

B. Side-effects include:

1. General lack of body hair

2. Redistribution of fat (more resembled a woman)

3. Deterioration of muscle tissue

4. Psychological problems because of “deficiency”

Important preface for rest of report:

Most of what is known about Eunuchs comes from a series of books called the Chinese Dynastic Histories -- most of which were written by Confucian historiographers. Unfortunately, it became common practice to attribute all of the downfalls and deficiencies of government to Eunuchs (much easier to do this than say that the system itself is flawed). Consequently, it is difficult to discover who and what the Eunuchs actually were.

Foggy Origins and Staying Power of Eunuchs:

A. Obviously to tend to harems

1. Desired for sexual reasons

B. Used to counteract influence of established aristocratic clans in the Court

1. Most Eunuchs were recruited from lower classes

2. Perhaps were originally implemented to institute informal system of checks and balances.

C. Not really known how they came about, but Confucian adherence to rites and traditions made it so that they were always a part of the court.

Famous Eunuchs:

A. Yong Qu (lived during Confucius’ time)

1. Didn’t break any empires, but unimpressed Confucius so much that he refused to work in the same state as the man, and this most likely played a

role prompting Confucianism to be “somewhat” anti-eunuch

B. Zhao Gao (??? - 206 BC)

1. Helped conceal death of emperor and then helped the youngest son kill the Heir Apparent so that Huhai (the youngest son) could become take the

throne.

2. Neutralized the prime minister Li Si

3. Was eventually slain by rebels (because of popular discontent due to his

actions)