historical Presence
Homosexuality In Ancient Cultures and Civilizations
Most historians agree that homosexual activities have existed in every documented culture throughout the world.
LGBT Presence In Older Civilizations
The role homosexuality plays in civilizations varies among ancient cultures. While homosexuality is only known to have existed in ancient Israel due to its presence in the bible, it was a large part of ancient Greek culture. Same-sex lovers are also known to have been present in ancient Rome. Not only due gay and lesbian people have strong ties to ancient civilizations and cultures, but the presence of other queer people, especially transgender individuals can be seen throughout history. These people can be seen across the world, in Kenya through their female husbands as well as in Native American cultures in regards to Two-Spirit people. This acceptance in Native American histories of trans and homosexual/bisexual people was only opposed by the arrival of European people and Christianity and other foreign religious beliefs (APA). This negative connotation regarding LGBT people in European cultures is often believed to have stemmed from the negative message regarding homosexuality in the Bible.
Homosexuality in ancient civilizations
Ancient Greece
In Greece, homosexuality is documented to have existed and flourished. In the ancient civilization, homosexuality flourished and was widely celebrated. In ancient Greece, especially among men, homosexuality was not viewed as strange or threatening but as normal and equal. Homosexual relationships among older men and young boys were widespread and refered to as: . In Athens especially, same-sex love was philosophically justified by the Greek view of two different types of love. One of these types of love, eros, describes sexual attraction. Not only does eros regard attraction, but it was also the name of the Greek god Aphrodite’s son Eros. In Roman times, this god was refered to as Cupid. In Greek mythology, Eros is said to have struck upon his victims lust, causing them to feel powerful mounts of sexual attraction. According to Plato, this feeling of sexual attraction was “the highest philosophical longings for the Good Itself, longings which [transcended] the physical and [sought] the fulfillment of the soul’s deepest needs and capabilities.” As a result of this, eros was viewed as not carnally corrupt which in turn justified the feeling of attraction in homosexuality. Ultimately, same-sex love was often regarded as a source of inspiration (Santa Clara University). Despite the prevalence of evidence in regards to same-sex male couples in ancient Greece, very little is known about same-sex couples among women during the era.
Ancient Rome
In Ancient Rome, homosexual activities were widely accepted, primarily among men. Although some restrictions were in place, men were permitted to have sex with another man without any damage to their social status or to their perceived masculinity. However, this societal acceptance only applied as long as the man took the dominant role. In this time, Roman men were only allowed to participate in these activities with what were deemed to be acceptable men. These accepted men were slaves, entertainers, prostitutes, former slaves and others who may have been free but did not have the same rights or protections as the majority of Roman citizens. Free Roman men were not allowed to participate in relationships with other free men. Much like in Greece, same-sex relationships largely took place between older Roman men and younger male partners. Despite the acceptance of gay homosexual activities, women in same-sex relationships was very rare (Wikipedia).
Ancient Israel
Homosexual activities and relationships are known to have existed in ancient Israel as they are referenced in both the Bible. In the Torah, homosexual feelings and relationships are regarded as wrong as they are banned by Jewish Law. However, in more recent times, verses are argued to defend the tolerance of homosexuality and the view of it as typical cultic behavior among ancient Israelites. Verses are also argued to defend the existence of a homosexual relationship between David and Jonathan. Furthermore, sacred prostitution is the only ban written regarding homosexuality and only exists in two verses of the book. As a result, it is unclear whether or not the Torah strictly bans homosexuality (Haaretz).
The sacred Band of thebes
Originating from Plato’s ideas written in his writing Symposium, The Sacred Band of Thebes was created in 378 B.C.E. Made up of 150 pairs of gay lovers, the Sacred Band of Thebes was a division of the Thebes army. Not only was the army an elite fighting division, but it is credited to have been an important factor in Thebes rising to power as an important city-state in ancient Greece. The members were each selected for their military experience as well as their athletic abilities. Each couple in the army consisted of an older man and his younger lover, often regarded to be more passive. The army was considered to be comparable to elite forces in Sparta and eventually defeated Spartan forces in the Battle of Leuctra (History Daily).
