The ancient greeks were not gay

I would describe the biggest difference between Ancient Greek pederastic relationships and modern gay relationships in that for the Ancient Greeks, these relationships were not typically a marker of individual sexuality. Tomes of books have been written about homosexuality in ancient Greece, and how widely accepted and prevalent it was in mainstream society. The reality is that this pottery cases represents a minute percentage of the thousands of ancient Greek items found in antiquity. There can be now doubt that relations between same sex couples were present in ancient Greece, as they were in all civilisations throughout history.

The article explores the prevalence and perception of homosexuality in ancient Greece, questioning whether it is fact or fiction. Homosexuality and pedophilia in ancient Greece greatly concerned many researchers who were mainly interested in highlighting the social aspect of this phenomenon in ancient Greek society. An important source on the subject was the paintings of a man and his lover in attic black and red figured pottery, up to the end of the 5th century BC. Another main source was the information that derived from the texts of ancient Greek literature, especially poetry.

The Greeks viewed sex and sexuality differently than most cultures do today. In Ancient Greece, there was no concept of “sexuality,” meaning that sexual orientations were not categorized into gay, straight, or bisexual. My first visit to the island of Mykonos 20 years ago was something of a revelation. Thanks to its seemingly endless queer beaches and bars, I felt a level of freedom as a young gay man that I hadn't previously experienced, despite growing up in London. Following a landmark vote in parliament this month, Greece has recently become the first Christian Orthodox-majority nation to legalise same-sex marriage , and the first country in south-eastern Europe to have marriage equality.

This was a degrading word, suggesting ancient Athens, the so-called open-minded Greek city-state of antiquity, wasn’t gay-friendly at all. The rest of the ancient Greek city-states would be classified as “macho” societies nowadays, with Sparta being disapproving of men who engaged in homosexual activities. Paul Eliadis Chair of Classics and Ancient History Deputy Head of School, The University of Queensland. Alastair Blanshard does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. University of Queensland provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

I would describe the biggest difference between Ancient Greek pederastic relationships and modern gay relationships in that for the Ancient Greeks, these relationships were not typically a marker of individual sexuality. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Often, Ancient Greece is held up as one of the great pinnacles of society. It was a time when government and philosophy were thriving, when men were men, and when culture was great.

The Greeks viewed sex and sexuality differently than most cultures do today. In Ancient Greece, there was no concept of “sexuality,” meaning that sexual orientations were not categorized into gay, straight, or bisexual. .

The article explores the prevalence and perception of homosexuality in ancient Greece, questioning whether it is fact or fiction. .

This was a degrading word, suggesting ancient Athens, the so-called open-minded Greek city-state of antiquity, wasn’t gay-friendly at all. The rest of the ancient Greek city-states would be classified as “macho” societies nowadays, with Sparta being disapproving of men who engaged in homosexual activities. .