Sexual life in ancient Greece : with thirty-two full-page plates

MALE HOMOSEXUALITY

passages of Greek literature, best of all in the words of Plato already quoted (p. 412).

That Plato, however, does not indulge in optimistic dreams is shown by historical facts. This was why at Chalcis (Plut., Amat., 761) in the island of Eubcea songs were sung in praise of good fellowship ; this was why the Spartans before the battle sacrificed to Eros (Ath., xiii, 561e) ; this was why the Theban army, named the sacred band (iepds Adxos), was the pride of the nation and the object of the admiration of Alexander the Great ; and this was why, before they went into battle, friends at the tomb of Iolaus in Thebes took the last oaths of fidelity.

When the Chalcidians were at war with the Eretrians, Cleomachus came to their assistance at the head of an imposing squadron of cavalry ; but he loved a youth. The battle was furious, for the enemy’s cavalry was well equipped. _Cleomachus asked his favourite, whether he would like to see the battle with him. He said yes, kissed his friend, and set his helmet on his head. Then high spirit filled the elder man’s heart and in contempt of death he sprang into the enemy’s ranks. He gained the victory but only at the price of his own heroic death. The Chalcidians buried him with all honours and erected on his grave a column, an eternal remembrance for coming generations.

According to Athenzus, the reason why before the battle the Spartans offered sacrifice to Eros was that “‘ they were convinced that in the comradeship of a pair of friends fighting side by side lay safety and victory ”’.

The “‘ sacred band ” of the Thebans also has given for all time the best evidence of the lofty ethics of the Greek love of boys. This band of men of noble blood, 300 in number, who had exchanged the oath of love and friendship, was formed, it is said, by Gorgidas. A witticism used to be quoted which Pammenes (Plutarch, Pelop., 18 ; also Philip’s

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