Were roman emperors gay

The primary dichotomy of ancient Roman sexuality was active / dominant / masculine and passive / submissive / feminine. Roman society was patriarchal, and the freeborn male citizen possessed political liberty (libertas) and the right to rule both himself and his household (familia). Step into the captivating world of Gay Roman Emperors – a historical tapestry woven with intrigue, passion, and political finesse.

We unravel the remarkable tales of three iconic rulers: Trajan, Hadrian, and Elagabalus. As we delve into their lives, we’ll compare the attitudes towards homosexuality in the ancient Roman era and the modern world. The most famous LGBT relationship in Roman imperial history has to be that between the Emperor Hadrian and Antinous. The British Museum, Louvre, Prado, Vatican and other collections of Roman art are replete with busts of the beautiful LGBT youth – Antinous.

Two Roman emperors (Emperor Nero and Emperor Elagabalus) even married men. Emperor Nero ( CE) was notorious regarding his gay relationships because he was not only an active partner but also a passive partner. In 64 CE, Nero married Pythagoras, with Nero as the bride. A Roman soldier, like every free and self-respecting Roman, was socially obligated to discipline, also in matters of sexuality.

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In the Roman military of the Republic period, any manifestations of homosexuality were severely exterminated. But what many people still may not realise is that numerous great figures from very long ago were known to have been gay or bisexual. The most iconic of all the Ancient Romans, Julius Caesar is famed for many things: his incredible military successes, his rise as a dictator, and his bloody assassination at the hands of his own senators.

And not just any man: his squeeze was said to have been King Nicomedes IV of Bithynia, an ancient kingdom located in modern-day Turkey. Read more about Ancient History. Synonymous with the famous wall erected during his reign to mark the northern border of Roman Britain, the Roman Emperor Hadrian was also known for his widespread tours through his lands, and for his deep love of Greek culture and history. Hadrian made no secret of his deep passion for his beautiful male consort, but their relationship came to a tragic end when aged just 19, Antinous drowned while sailing with the emperor on the River Nile.

A cult grew around the young man, and there was even a city built in his name: Antinoopolis. In any case, Antinous remained a celebrated figure for thousands of years, feted by Oscar Wilde and many other writers and poets. Read more about Kings and Queens. King of Macedonia, empire builder, and one of the greatest military geniuses of all time, Alexander the Great amassed many achievements in his short life.

He racked up three wives, while also perhaps finding time to have affairs with men. Hephaestion, a Macedonian general, was so intensely close to Alexander that their friendship was compared to the bond between legendary Greek heroes Achilles and Patroclus. It's also been speculated that Alexander had been besotted with a Persian eunuch named Bagoas. Many ancient Chinese emperors had same-sex relationships and one of the most notable examples was the Emperor Ai of the Han dynasty.

Reigning in the 1st century BC, he had a celebrated love affair with Dong Xian, a minor court official whose closeness with the emperor propelled him to become one of the most influential figures of his time. Emperor Ai lavished Dong Xian with money and gifts, including a residence so elaborate it was said to rival the imperial palace. Yet it was a more low-key anecdote about the couple that achieved lasting notoriety.

According to an oft-told story, the pair fell asleep one afternoon in the same bed. Upon waking to realise Dong was resting on the sleeve of his robe, the emperor chose to cut off the sleeve rather than risk disturbing his lover. Living in the 25th century BC, Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum were servants to a Fifth Dynasty pharaoh rather than rulers themselves. But the pair, who were head manicurists in the royal household, deserve mention in any discussion of queer culture in the ancient world.

The imagery shows the men embracing, holding hands, touching noses, and perhaps kissing. There have been huge debates about the true nature of the connection between the men. Some believe they were most likely brothers. However, given the clear affection shown in the art, and given how rare it was for two men of equal standing to be buried together like this, many believe Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum are in fact the first gay couple in recorded history.

Julius Caesar The most iconic of all the Ancient Romans, Julius Caesar is famed for many things: his incredible military successes, his rise as a dictator, and his bloody assassination at the hands of his own senators. Read more about Ancient History The army of same-sex lovers who made up Sparta's biggest rivals. Most Recent. The legacy of the Battle of Little Bighorn.

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