Under Justinian in the 6th century, the eunuch Narses functioned as a successful general in a number of campaigns. Advantages of eunuchs were that they prevented offices from becoming hereditary, allowing appointments to be made on merit; they were more dedicated to their jobs, not being distracted by family obligations; and they were ineligible for the throne, and for that reason thought by emperors to be safe. Those who had been deprived not only of their testicles but also their penises were known in Greek as carzimasia, and were highly prized.By the last centuries of the Empire, the number of roles reserved for eunuchs had reduced, and their use may have been all but over.Following the Byzantine tradition, eunuchs had important tasks at the court of the Norman Kingdom of Sicily during the middle 12th century. One of them, Philip of Mahdia, has been admiratus admiratorum, and another one, Ahmed es-Sikeli, was prime minister. China
In China, castration included removal of the penis as well as the testicles (see emasculation). Both organs were cut off with a knife at the same time.Eunuchs existed in China from about 4,000 years ago, were imperial servants by 3,000 years ago, and were common as civil servants by the time of the Qin dynasty. From those ancient times until the Sui dynasty, castration was both a traditional punishment (one of the Five Punishments) and a means of gaining employment in the Imperial service.
Xanthoma diabeticorum is a cutaneous condition that may result in young persons who are unresponsive to insulin. : 534

See also
Xanthoma
Skin lesion


== References ==