Harem - Between the two poles of a single man and many women, were the sexless eunuchs who were guardians of the concubines, but themselves virtual prisoners. Of course the young princes lived in part of the Harem, and after puberty they too were provided with concubines. But their existence was seen only as a "potential sultan". The princes lived in constant fear of assassination from the other concubines who wanted their own sons in power.