logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2021
47m 59s

Homosexuality & Ancient Greece

History Hit
About this episode
Frederick the Great, Marie Antoinette and Oscar Wilde. Each of them have talked about, or been talked about in terms of, Ancient Greek ideas of homosexual love. From men taking on young apprentices, to Sappho’s yearning poetry, the Ancient Greek traditions have long been called upon in conversation as a background to contemporary celebrations of love between members of the same sex, but what is the truth to these stories. We are thrilled to welcome Alastair Blanshard, Paul Eliadis Chair of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Queensland, back to the Ancients to talk us through the concept and truth of Greek love, and its ripples through history.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Today
Maya Hieroglyphs Decoded
Forget everything you thought you knew about the ancient Maya. Cracking their mysterious hieroglyphs didn't just reveal boring calendars, it exposed a cutthroat, Game of Thrones-style world of rival superpowers, Tikal and Calakmul.Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor David Stuar ... Show More
48m 55s
Sep 20
Human Sacrifice in Ancient Britain
WARNING: This episode contains descriptions of graphic violence from the start.When we picture human sacrifice in ancient Britain, the iconic, flaming Wicker Man often comes to mind. But how much of this is Roman propaganda, and what does the actual archaeology reveal? Tristan Hu ... Show More
1h 1m
Sep 17
Ice Age America: The Clovis Culture
Before the mammoths disappeared, people hunted them across Ice Age America. Armed with distinctive stone spear points, the mysterious Clovis culture left behind traces of a world filled with giant beasts and landscapes now lost to time.Tristan Hughes is joined by archaeologist Dr ... Show More
57m 42s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2024
LGBTQ Emperors of Ancient Rome
In Ancient Greece and the Roman empire homosexual relationships were an accepted and common practice. In this hyper-masculine society the male form was revered for its physical perfection while women’s virtue was jealously guarded to ensure the legitimacy of children. In Greece r ... Show More
20m 47s
Jun 2025
LGBTQ Rulers of the World
Sexuality and gender politics have differed from culture to culture and age to age throughout history. The concept of homosexuality as an identity only emerged in the 20th century. Prior to that gay and lesbian relationships and activities were commonplace but were thought of as ... Show More
19m 12s
Mar 2024
Beloved of Aphrodite, the Lives & Legacies of Ancient Greek Sex Workers
A little look into the lives of ancient Greek sex workers, particularly two Hetairai, Phryne and Rhodopis, whose accomplishments achieved them 2300+ years long legacies. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content!CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involv ... Show More
35m 55s
Jun 2020
Mini Myth: All the Best Heroes Have Boyfriends, Heracles & Hylas (Plus More LGBTQ Stories)
Happy Pride! Heracles and Hylas loved each other very much, but as with most gay love stories of Greek mythology... it doesn't end well. #BLM This episode also includes last year's PRIDE episode as a bonus, CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and ... Show More
25m 18s
Jun 2022
PRIDE SPECIAL: Gay Gods, Transgender Transformations, & Pansexual Poets, LGBTQIA Representation in Ancient Greece
Selections from past episodes featuring LGBTQIA characters from Greek mythology (and history!). Selected by incredible intern Grace Roby, put together by the magnificent Michaela Smith.CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves god ... Show More
37m 57s
Jun 2024
Beloved Boyfriends of Greek Myth's Most Famous Heroes
Stories of Achilles and Heracles and their beloved boyfriends. Featuring a clip from my conversation with Charlotte Gregory, episodes on Plato's Symposium, and the episode dedicated to Heracles' lovers. Find all episodes from past Pride Months in this Spotify playlist. Help keep ... Show More
40 m
Mar 2008
The Greek Myths
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Greek myths from Achilles to Zeus. Are you a touch narcissistic? Do you have the body of an Adonis? Are you willing to undertake Herculean tasks or Promethean ventures? Perhaps you have an Oedipus complex? If you answer to any or perhaps all of ... Show More
42m 17s
Jun 2021
Queer as Hell! Stories of LGBTQIA Characters in Greek Myth
More Pride stories! A re-airing of a collection of past stories of LGBTQIA characters including Heracles and Hylas, Dionysus and a phallus, Iphis and Ianthe and more!CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, ... Show More
30m 45s
Apr 2022
Gender Rebels of Greek Mythology: Achilles x Patroclus
In the first part of our Gender Rebels series, we talked about queer history—queer women, Intersex people, transgender people, and eunuchs. Now, we’re going to begin another series that takes that lens to Greek mythology. There are plenty of queer myths that break the binary as t ... Show More
1h 22m