Was Alexander the Great gay? Netflix's new series addresses this question

Was Alexander the Great gay? This question has been raised in Netflix's new 'Alexander the Great' docuseries. Though the great military leader is best known for conquering Persia, Greece and many other parts of the world, 'Alexander: The Making of a God' suggests the king of ancient Macedonia harbored a secret about his sexuality. The series, which addresses this question, is streaming now on Netflix. It follows Alexander the Great on the rise to reign as King of Macedonia and gets into the inner workings of his life.

Was Alexander the Great gay?

With the new Netflix series 'Alexander: The Making of a God', this issue has resurfaced and speculation about his sexuality has become a topic of debate.

Buck Braithwaite has played Alexander the Great in the series which is a mix of documentary-style interviews and dramatic reenactments. The great military leader has been depicted as a queer. Roman historian Quintus Curtius Rufus wrote in the first century that "Alexander scorned sensual pleasures with women." He wrote, "He scorned sensual pleasures to such an extent that his mother was anxious lest he be unable to beget offspring."

"Reluctant to relations with women"

Though the conquerer of the world was married three different times and had several children, historical records show he may have been reluctant to engage in sexual relations with women.

'Alexander: The Making of a God' shows him deeply in love with his childhood friend and military commander Hephaestion along with the allusion to relations with one of his generals Ptolemy.

Ptolemy and Hephaestion

Some historians suggest that both Ptolemy and Hephaestion were just close compatriots and military comrades to Alexander the Great and they shared no romantic connection with him.

Adonis Georgiadis wrote in his book 'Homosexuality In Ancient Greece The Myth Is Collapsing' that Hephaestion was Alexander the Great's "closest and dearest friend." They have known each other since childhood and have risen to the ranks as companions.

FAQs:

Which first-century historian wrote about the sexuality of Alexander the Great?
Roman historian Quintus Curtius Rufus wrote in the first century that "Alexander scorned sensual pleasures with women." He wrote, "He scorned sensual pleasures to such an extent that his mother was anxious lest he be unable to beget offspring."

How Alexander was related to Ptolemy and Hephaestion?
'Alexander: The Making of a God' shows him deeply in love with his childhood friend and military commander Hephaestion along with the allusion to relations with one of his generals Ptolemy.