In ancient Greece, an eromenos was the younger and passive partner in a male homosexual relationship. The partner of an eromenos was the erastes, the older and active partner. The eromenos was often depicted as beautiful, beardless and more youthful-looking than the erastes.
Erastes (lover) and eromenos (beloved) kissing. Tondo of an Attic red-figured cup, ca. 480 BCE. Louvre Museum
The Death of Hyacinthos (1801) by Jean Broc. Hyacinth (left) has been killed by the discus at his feet thrown by Apollo (right).
Greek Homosexuality (book)
Greek Homosexuality is a book about homosexuality in ancient Greece by the classical scholar Kenneth Dover, in which the author uses archaic and classical archaeological and literary sources to discuss ancient Greek sexual behavior and attitudes. He addresses the iconography of vase paintings, the speeches in the law courts, and the comedies of Aristophanes, as well as the content of other literary and philosophical source texts.
Cover of the first edition