Favorinus of Arles (Phaborinos) was a leading public speaker in the second century. He described himself with the paradoxes of being a provincial (Gaul) who spoke Greek, a eunuch who was accused of adultery, and a person who quarreled with the emperor and lived.^ His physical characteristics were highly distinctive:

Favorinus had eunuchoid characteristics, such as a thin, high-pitched voice, no beard, soft skin and soft limb tissues (presumably decreased muscle mass). He had effeminate mannerisms, as judged by his peers, and extraordinary eyes.^

Winter (1997) discusses Favorinus’ competitive position. Gleason (1995) provides a rather tendentious analysis of Favorinus’ style and success. For a more insightful analysis of different sexual personas, see Davidson (1997). The latter is a well-written book, readily accessible to a non-classicist. It offers path-breaking scholarship with keen insight into desire, verbal strategies, and personal success in ancient Athens. Could it be true that the penis is not essentially an instrument of domination?