Homosexuality in the militaries of ancient Greece

When the topic of homosexuality in the militaries of Ancient Greece is discussed, the Sacred Band of Thebes is usually considered as the prime example of how the Ancient army use homoerotic or homosexual relationships between soldiers in a troop to boost the fighting spirit of their militaries. These bonds, perhaps somewhat inspired by episodes from Greek mythology, such as the heroic relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in the "Iliad" by Homer, were thought to boost morale as well as bravery.

Introduction

Both modern scholars and classic Greeks have taken Homer’s "Iliad" as a model for Hellenic society. Although Homer himself does not explicitly describe a sexual relationship between any two men within his work, many ancient Greeks interpreted the relationship of Achilles and Patroclus as being homoerotic, because the pair emphasized themselves together over their tribe, and because of Achilles’ intense reaction to Patroclus’ death.

The relationships described by other writers typically took the form of pederasty, with more egalitarian relationships being rarer.

Greek city-states

Homosexuality among males in the militaries and warriors of ancient Greek city-states was documented by many historians throughout the ages. However the importance of them in establishing military formations varied. The relationships themselves were widespread as remarks of Philip II of Macedon's recorded by Plutarch demonstrates:

Philosophical discourses

Many philosophers wrote on the subject of homosexuality in the military as well as warriors.

Plato on the strength of male sexual bonds in this case being used to overthrow a tyrant in Athens:

Phaedrus on the power of male sexual relationships to improve bravery in the military:

Xenophon while not criticizing the relationships themselves ridiculed militaries that made them the sole basis of unit formation:

ocial aspects

The majority of these relationships took place within the social institution of pederasty. Pederasty was seen as an effective means of population control, education, and crime reduction. A typical pederastic relationship was between a young male aged 13 to 20 and an adult. However the Greeks strongly condemned the use of children as soldiers and constricted military pederasty to young males of at least age 16. ("See Pederasty")

Military pederasty was encouraged as a means to improve troop morale, bravery, and overall fighting. Originally the Greeks based unit formation upon tribal lines following the lead of Nestor recorded by Homer. However later this idea was rebuked by Pammenes according to Plutarch:

Eventually the Greek city-states joined Pammenes' views on the most effective order of unit formation. The practice soon proliferated. Often city-states that had originally frowned upon the idea reversed opinions on the basis of experiences. One such example took place during the Lelantine War between the Eretrians and the Chalcidians. In a decisive battle the Chalcidians called for the aid of a warrior named Cleomachus. Cleomachus answered their request and brought his lover along with him. He charged against the Eretians and brought the Chalcidians to victory at the cost of his own life. It was said he was inspired with love during the battle. Afterwards the Chalcidians erected a tomb for him in their marketplace and reversed their negative view of the practice and began to honor it. Aristotle attributed a popular local song to the event:

quote|Ye lads of grace and sprung from worthy stock

Grudge not to bravemen converse with your beauty

In cities of Chalcis, Love, looser of limbs

Thrives side by side with courage

The importance of these relationships in military formation was not without controversy. According to Xenophon, the Spartans abhorred the thought of using the relationships as the basis of unit formation for placing too much significance on sexuality rather than talent. This was due to their founder Lycurgus who attacked lusts on physical beauty regarding it as shameful. Xenophon asserted that in some city-states the lovers would not even have conversations with one another. He said this type of behavior was horrible because it was entirely based on physical attractions:

Nonetheless city states that employed the practice in determining military formation enjoyed some success. The Thebans had one such regiment as the core of their entire army. They attributed this group called the Sacred Band of Thebes for making Thebes the most powerful city-state for a generation until its fall to Philip II of Macedon. Philip II of Macedon was so impressed with their bravery during the battle he erected a monument that still stands today on their gravesite. He also gave a harsh criticism of the Spartan views of the band:

Many prominent Greek military figures enjoyed such relationships. Epaminondas was considered the greatest warrior-statesmen of ancient Greece by many, including the Roman historian Diodorus Siculus. He had two male lovers: Asopichus and Caphisodorus, the latter died with him at Mantineia in battle. They were buried together, something usually reserved for a husband and wife in Greek society. Another pair of warrior-lovers — Aristogiton and Harmodius — credited with the downfall of tyranny in Athens and the rise of democracy became the emblem of the city. Historians have noted the prevalence of them portrayed in Athenian art comparing the figure of the two erected with daggers striking a tyrant to the Statue of Liberty.Fact|date=February 2007

Historical and religious aspects

Examples

Warriors

Notable ancient Greek warriors who may have had same-sex love relationships:

Mythology

Ancient Greek mythological heroes in love with each other:
*Achilles and Patroclus
*Heracles and Iolaus

Historians

Ancient historians who recorded details of homosexuality present in the militaries of Greece:
*Aristotle
*Plato
*Phaedrus
*Plutarch
*Athenaeus
*Aristophanes
*Xenophon

References

*"Gay Warriors", by Burg, B. R., et al.; New York: New York University Press, 2002. ISBN 0-8147-9886-1.
*"Homosexuality and Civilization", by Crompton, Louis, et al.; Massachusetts: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2003. ISBN 0-674-01197-X.
*Percy, William A. [http://williamapercy.com/pub-Peder.htm "Pederasty and Pedagogy in Archaic Greece"] , Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1996.

ee also

*Pederasty in Ancient Greece
*Homosexuality in ancient Greece

External links

* [http://www.williamapercy.com/pub-Peder.htm Pederasty and Pedagogy In Archaic Greece]