Netflix’s recent docuseries on Alexander the Great has raised eyebrows, as it ventures into speculative territory regarding the great military leader’s sexuality.
Despite being celebrated for his conquests in Persia and Greece as the king of ancient Macedon, “Alexander: The Making of a God” (currently streaming on Netflix) introduces the idea that the historical figure may have concealed aspects of his personal life.
The series delves into Alexander the Great’s life, chronicling his rise to the throne of Macedon and his reign, examining his relationships with those in his circle. The Netflix show has revived discussions about Alexander’s sexual orientation.
Historians have long debated Alexander the Great’s sexuality. The series, using a blend of documentary-style interviews and dramatic reenactments, portrays Alexander (played by Buck Braithwaite) as explicitly queer.
Speculations about Alexander’s sexuality have been a topic of conversation for centuries. First-century Roman historian Quintus Curtius Rufus wrote, “[Alexander] scorned sensual pleasures [with women].” Despite his three marriages and children, historical records suggest hesitancy in engaging in intimate relations with women.
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The show depicts Alexander in a romantic relationship with his childhood friend and military commander Hephaestion, as well as alluding to relations with his general Ptolemy.
Some historians argue that both Ptolemy and Hephaestion were merely close companions and military comrades with no romantic involvement with the king. In his 2004 book “Homosexuality In Ancient Greece The Myth Is Collapsing,” conservative author Adonis Georgiadis describes Hephaestion as Alexander the Great’s “closest and dearest friend.”
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The series also introduces the Persian courier Bagoas into the discussion, cited by some as evidence of Alexander’s preference for male companionship.
While evidence surrounding Alexander’s romantic connections remains speculative, the docuseries offers a more nuanced perspective on his sexuality. During Alexander’s era, the understanding of sex and sexuality lacked modern binary terms like ‘gay’ or ‘straight.’
While Alexander may not neatly fit contemporary definitions of gay or straight, evidence suggests a preference for the company of men over women. Historical records were heavily censored until around 1907, complicating efforts to definitively determine Alexander the Great’s romantic life.
In the context of ancient Greek society, where sexuality was more fluid and experimentation was common, the specific details of Alexander’s orientation may not hold much significance. However, the liberties taken by Netflix in presenting speculative aspects of Alexander’s personal life have invited criticism, especially given the lack of concrete evidence supporting such portrayals.
