Homosexuality in ancient Greece: Encyclopedia II - Homosexuality in ancient Greece - In the military

Homosexuality in ancient Greece - In the military

The Sacred Band of Thebes, a separate military unit reserved only for homosexuals, is usually considered as the prime example of how the ancient Greeks used relationships between soldiers in a troop to boost theit fighting spirit. The Thebans attributed to theSacred Band the power of Thebes for the generation before its fall to Philip II of Macedon, who was so impressed with their bravery during 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:

Pammenes' opinion, according to Plutarch, was that

These bonds, perhaps somewhat inspired by episodes from Greek mythology, such as the heroic relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in the Iliad, were thought to boost morale as well as bravery. They typically took the form of pederasty, with more egalitarian relationships being rarer. Such relationships were documented by many Greek historians and in philosophical discourses, as well as in offhand remarks such as Philip II of Macedon's recorded by Plutarch demonstrates:

• "It is not only the most warlike peoples, the Boeotians, Spartans, and Cretans, who are the most susceptible to this kind of love but also the greatest heroes of old: Meleager, Achilles, Aristomenes, Cimon, and Epaminondas."

During the Lelantine War between the Eretrians and the Chalcidians, before 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.

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 based 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:

• "If as was evident it was not an attachment to the soul, but a yearning solely towards the body, Lycurgus stamped this thing as foul."

Many prominent Greek military figures enjoyed such relationships. Epaminondas who is considered the greatest warrior-statesmen of ancient Greece by many such as the Roman historian Diodorus Siculus had two male lovers. His lovers were 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.

Homosexuality in ancient Greece - Historical and religious aspects

• "Boeotians, where a man and boy are intimately united by a bond like that of wedlock." - Xenophon
• "As for Heracles it would be difficult to list all of his lovers, they are so numerous....Iolaus was beloved by him, to this very day lovers worship and honor Iolaus, exchanging vows and pledges with their beloved at his tomb." - Plutarch

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "In the military", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki