Delve into Alexander the Great's personal life and sexual activities, explore his relationships with male and female lovers. Speculate on his sexuality and his encounter with an Amazonian Queen. Explore the romantic relationship between Bagoas and Alexander, and the aftermath of Alexander's death with power struggles among his allies.
Alexander the Great had both male and female lovers, influenced by his father's example.
Bagoas and Hephaestion were significant individuals in Alexander's life, suggesting intimate connections beyond friendship.
Deep dives
Overview of Alexander the Great's Sex Life
Alexander the Great had a complex and multifaceted sex life. While there is debate about his exact sexual orientation, he was known to have both male and female lovers. His father, King Philip II, had multiple wives and lovers, setting an example for Alexander. Alexander himself had relationships with individuals such as his male lover Bagoas, a eunuch of King Darius III, and possibly his close friend Hephaestion. He also had female lovers, including courtesans and his wives. However, his focus on conquering and ruling the Persian Empire often took precedence over his sexual pursuits. After Alexander's death, his family members, including his mother Olympia, engaged in power struggles that often involved violence and murder. The chaotic and unstable post-Alexander period further complicates the understanding of his sex life and its influence on his legacy.
Bagoas and Hephaestion
Bagoas was a eunuch and a lover of King Darius III before becoming a lover of Alexander the Great. While his story fades out after a certain point, his closeness to Alexander suggests a significant bond between them. Hephaestion, Alexander's close friend, was likely also his lover. Hephaestion's death resulted in extreme grief from Alexander, pointing to a deep emotional connection between them. While the exact nature and duration of their relationships cannot be definitively determined, the intense grief displayed by Alexander and the significance of these individuals in his life suggest intimate connections beyond mere friendship.
The Turmoil and Power Struggles After Alexander's Death
Following Alexander the Great's death, his empire plunged into chaos and power struggles among his successors. Without a clear designated heir, various generals vied for control, leading to violence, murder, and political maneuvering. Alexander's family members, including his wives, mother, and other female relatives, often found themselves caught up in these power struggles. They faced risks of being used as pawns, married off to solidify alliances, or eliminated as threats. The period following Alexander's death was marked by instability and uncertainty, with rival factions fighting for control and engaging in ruthless actions to secure power.
Was he as great in bed as he was at conquering the Persian empire?
Whether he even had time for it, is another question. In today's episode, we're revisiting a conversation Kate had with History Hit's Tristan Hughes, host of our sister podcast The Ancients.
What did young Alexander learn from his dad's charming ways? Did he take both male and female lovers? Let's go Betwixt the ancient sheets, to find out.
This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith and Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
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