Homosexuality In The Iliad

Similar to the Persian analysis, Greek myths may be analyzed to conceptualize the construct of homosexuality within ancient Greek culture. Many instances of Greek philosophical writings and recordings of histories portray actions that would today be labeled as homosexual. One of the most popular pieces of the homosexual culture of Greek society comes from Homer’s The Iliad with his account of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. The exact date of Homer’s authoring of The Iliad lies around 760 BC, placing it in the center of ancient Greek society. Achilles is so distraught with the passing of Patroclus he proclaims “… my dear comrade Patroclus has fallen, he whom I valued more than all others, and loved as dearly as my own life?” …show more content…
The most important part of these two separate accounts is the fearlessness Alexander displays in his love for Bagoas and the crowd’s reaction to the display. Alexander’s openness to displaying his affection for Bagoas shows how the ancient Greek construct of homosexuality allowed for an act like this to occur. A king would only show actions in public that would present him as a desirable leader in order to preserve his status among the society. Because Alexander freely showed affection to Bagoas in front of the crowd, the construct of homosexuality within the Greek society can again be seen as an openness to all love between humans, no matter the gender. Further backing this claim, the crowd’s reaction to the display of affection is even more telling. Both accounts explain how the crowd applauded and shouted affirmations at the sight of the kiss. The exclamations from the crowd is a direct confirmation at the assumed construct of homosexuality their society had construed. By supporting the homosexual act between Alexander and Hephaestion, it is evident of how the Greeks supported the king not only for who he is, but who he