Homosexuality in Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece was a very civilized country for its time. Although the Greeks were warlike in nature, social characteristics of their society made them almost as advanced as most present day societies. Although no official term existed for “homosexuality” in ancient Greece (E-Mail Trivia), it was a prevalent and accepted lifestyle.

Homosexuality, or a relationship between two males, did not begin in ancient Greece; it has most likely existed since the first humans were on the earth. However, ancient Greek society was the first society where homosexuality was a common lifestyle. It was not as widely accepted as heterosexuality, but it was rarely looked down upon. Homosexuality was just another part of life for a great number of ancient Greek men (Love and Sex).

Greece was not a place where homosexuals could live a perfect life. Helena Smith says in The Guardians, “Contrary to popular opinion, that world [ancient Greece] was not a paradise for homosexuals” (Knitting Circle). There were accepted homosexuals, and there were those that were frowned upon by society. Greek society was militaristic, so heterosexual relations were important to the society for procreation. Without that, there would be no new soldiers. The me

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Some of these texts refer to long term, in some cases lifetime homosexual relationships. In most of these situations, these males were married and lead “normal” lives (Knitting Circle).

Contrary to popular belief, scholars have proven that Greece was not a homosexual paradise (People With a History).

Education was also an important part of ancient Greek society. In Phreadrus, his use of homosexual eros has been “of lasting importance in positive conceptions of homosexual love” (People With a History). The state took the greatest amount of responsibility for the child. Ancient Greece was a uniquely open minded country; it had the ingenuity to reform lives for the good of its society. Again, a homosexual relationship was considered beneficial in this process (Buchanan). Girls were excluded from the educational system that was designed to teach boys how to be men. Just as in Olympic training, the student was expected to respect and admire his teacher; in return, the teacher was expected to gain the devotion of his student. Atheaneus’ The Deinosophists clearly speaks of Alexander the Great’s homosexual relationship with Hephasteion (Ancient Greece).

Homosexual relations were also common among young Greek Olympians and their trainers. But, those men who were exclusively homosexual were looked down upon by society. Although obviously “homophobic” at times, Aristophanes assumes homosexuality is both common and a normal aspect of human sexuality in The Clouds (People With a History).

Approximate Word count = 935
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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