The Sacred Band of Thebes, comprised entirely of gay male lovers, was Ancient Greece’s original response to the gays in the military question. What was that like? How did it function? And what was its lasting legacy? That’s what we’re going to find out today, just in time for Pride Month. Here to help us do it is classicist James Romm, author of The Sacred Band: Three Hundred Theban Lovers Fighting to Save Greek Freedom.

By the way, the New Yorker article referenced in the episode is “Ancient Greece’s Army of Lovers” by Daniel Mendelsohn.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Support the show on Patreon at www.patreon.com/btnewberg and get a hand-drawn portrait. Research, writing, editing, and production by B. T. Newberg. Music and Logo Design by Rachel Westhoff. Additional credits, references, and more at http://www.deadideas.net.

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References

Mendelsohn, Daniel. “Ancient Greece’s Army of Lovers.” The New Yorker. April 29, 2021. Retrieved Jun 6, 2021, from: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/04/19/ancient-greeces-army-of-lovers

Romm, James. The Sacred Band: Three Hundred Theban Lovers Fighting to Save Greek Freedom. New York, NY: Scribner, 2021.

Audio Credits

Additional music and audio from:

“Battle of Gaugamela – Alexander Film – Phalanx Marching” from KidUKnott

“Horse Galloping Sound Effect” from wdylj

“Ancient Power of Serpents” by Kevin MacLeod

“Batman 1966 Original Theatrical Trailer” from Cinematica Virtual

“300 Official Trailer” from Warner Bros Pictures

“Large Group of Soldiers Fighting with Swords and Yelling” and other videos in the Medieval Sound Effects series from Sound Ideas – Topic

“Lamentation” by Kevin MacLeod

Image Credits

From the cover of The Sacred Band, by James Romm.