Alexander great gay

His impact on history is immense: Alexander introduced the Persian idea of absolute monarchy to the Greco-Roman world, forever changing global governance. For such an influential figure, it should come as no surprise that historians have been interested in his personal life, notably his sex lif.

Modern terminology that describes sexual identity is not appropriate for a historical figure when such ideas did not exist. To avoid anachronism, one must consider how the Greeks of the s BC viewed sex. Alexander great gay relations were ordinary amongst the upper classes, especially in the form of pederasty.

Sexual orientation was not the defining factor in sex, rather the role that each participant played: the dominant, higher-class, older partner took an active role, and the younger, lower-class partner took a passive one. Nonetheless, homosexual men of the same class experienced social stigma as the passive role was more effeminate.

As Macedonian king, Alexander could partake in sexual relations with anyone, so alexander great gay as he maintained the dominant role. In his early years, he showed little interest in sexual relationships. However, it is more reasonable to assume that teenage Alexander had not experienced sexual attraction yet.

These interactions strongly suggest the two were not merely friends. The king ordered that the whole empire be plunged into a state of mourning; all music was banned and the statue of Asclepios, god of medicine, was demolished. Alexander did engage in heterosexual relations and fathered at least one son.

In BC, Alexander organised the Susa weddings — a mass wedding of Macedonian and Persian nobles to symbolically combine both cultures and consolidate Macedonian rule in the region. Adversaries counterpoint that the marriage was merely a political gesture applauding Hephaestion for his services.

Employing a broad definition, Alexander could be considered an LGBT icon for being a remarkable person that likely engaged in homosexual relationships. Yet, if all necessary modern criteria are applied, this may not be the case; Alexander did not further acceptance of homosexual relations between social classes.

Furthermore, an LGBT icon should be a role model.

Alexander the Great: LGBT Icon? By Alexandra Birch

By 21 st century standards, Alexander was a war criminal who broke alexander great gay Geneva Convention several times, including civilian murder, torture, and unnecessary civic destruction although these military decisions were mild compared to his contemporaries. Nevertheless, our modern morality should not be imposed on Alexander as ethics change over time.

It is destructive to view history through this moralistic lens because it is not an objective analysis and the mindset of the people of the past cannot be understood. Whether he deserves this title or not, it is already bestowed upon him. Using contemporary terminology, it is reasonable to assume that Alexander was bisexual.

Historical evidence suggests that he experienced lust, and potentially love, towards both men and women. Though by our modern standards Alexander would be a tyrant, in the context of his time, he is an icon, and thus, if he is analysed relatively, Alexander thoroughly deserves our homage.

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