VIOLACIONES HOMOSEXUALES Y PEDERASTÍA EN LA ANTIGUA GRECIA... | DATOS SORPRENDENTES!

Summary

The video explores the fascinating and complex views on sexuality in Ancient Greece, including practices such as pederasty and homosexuality in military contexts. It discusses the relationships between older men and younger adolescents, the concept of the Sacred Band of Thebes, and the role of love in military morale. The script also touches on the less-documented homosexual relationships between women, including those seen in the works of Sappho. It delves into controversial topics such as the possible romantic connections of historical figures like Achilles and Alexander the Great, and the impact of these views on modern Greece.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of sex as a taboo in modern society contrasts with the more open attitudes towards it in ancient Greece.
• 😀 In ancient Greece, sex was practiced more freely, with different societal views on virginity and homosexuality.
• 😀 One of the most common forms of male-male sexual relations in ancient Greece was pederasty, a relationship between an older man and a younger adolescent.
• 😀 The older man in a pederastic relationship was known as the 'erastes,' who was responsible for educating, protecting, and loving the younger 'eromenos.'
• 😀 Pederasty was seen as an important social and educational institution in Greek cities, and was integrated into military, philosophical, and artistic life.
• 😀 Homosexuality was also present in Greek military units, such as the Sacred Band of Thebes, where love between soldiers was used to strengthen bonds and combat morale.
• 😀 The Sacred Band of Thebes was a unique military unit, composed of male lovers, and played a significant role in Greek military history.
• 😀 Relationships between adult men were often viewed with stigma in Greek society, as they conflicted with the ideal of masculinity and the feminine role of being penetrated in homosexual relations.
• 😀 While Achilles and Patroclus' relationship was interpreted by some as homosexual, the evidence remains inconclusive, and ancient sources debated their roles in the relationship.
• 😀 Other famous Greek figures, such as Agathon and Alexander the Great, were also associated with homosexual relationships, and some historical accounts even linked Alexander to a romance with the eunuch Bagoas.
• 😀 Women in ancient Greece also engaged in same-sex relationships, with Sappho being the most famous poetess to write about love between women, though there were fewer historical references to female homosexuality compared to male homosexuality.

Q & A

What were the views on sex in Ancient Greece compared to modern society?

In Ancient Greece, sex was viewed much more freely and openly than in modern society. There were fewer taboos, and relationships, including homosexual ones, were often considered normal and even educational.

What is pederasty, and how was it practiced in Ancient Greece?

Pederasty in Ancient Greece was a relationship between an older man, called 'erastes,' and a younger adolescent, called 'eromenos.' The older man would educate, protect, and mentor the younger one, while the youth reciprocated with beauty, youth, and commitment.

How was homosexuality viewed in Ancient Greek military contexts?

Homosexuality in the military was seen as a way to strengthen bonds between soldiers. A prime example is the Sacred Band of Thebes, an elite military unit composed of male lovers who fought together, believed to boost morale and combat effectiveness.

Was homosexuality in Ancient Greece limited to pederasty?

No, homosexuality in Ancient Greece was not limited to pederasty. It also included relationships between adult men, though such relationships were often viewed with social stigma unless they followed an earlier pederastic bond.

Did any historical figures in Ancient Greece have homosexual relationships?

Yes, several historical figures, such as Achilles and Patroclus, were interpreted as having a homosexual relationship, although this is debated. Other figures, like Agathon and Alexander the Great, were also associated with homosexual relationships.

What role did the 'Sacred Band of Thebes' play in Ancient Greek military?

The Sacred Band of Thebes was an elite unit composed of male lovers, and their bond was believed to enhance their fighting spirit and loyalty. Their bravery was so renowned that Philip II of Macedonia built a monument in their honor after their defeat.

Was there a clear distinction in the roles within homosexual relationships in Ancient Greece?

Yes, in homosexual relationships, there was a clear distinction between roles. The older, dominant partner was the 'erastes,' and the younger, passive partner was the 'eromenos.' These roles were a fundamental part of Greek homosexual culture.

Did Sappho contribute to the understanding of female homosexuality in Ancient Greece?

Yes, Sappho, the poet from Lesbos, wrote numerous poems about love between women, becoming a symbol of female homosexuality. Her works explored romantic and erotic relationships between women, although only a small portion of her poetry has survived.

What was the public reaction to portrayals of homosexuality in Ancient Greece in modern times?

In modern Greece, portrayals of historical figures like Alexander the Great as homosexual sparked controversy. For instance, when a film about Alexander depicted him in romantic relationships with both men and women, it was met with strong reactions, including threats of legal action.

How did homosexuality among women manifest in Ancient Greek society?

Female homosexuality in Ancient Greece was less documented than male homosexuality, but there were references to erotic relationships between women, particularly in places like Sparta. Women who practiced homosexuality were often called 'tríada.'