#LoveInAntiquity

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United in Battle Through the Crisis

Orestes and Pylades are renowned figures in Greek mythology and literature, often depicted as the epitome of deep friendship and loyalty. They appear in various ancient works, notably in the tragedies of Euripides, and their story is intricately linked to the complex and tragic narrative of the House of Atreus.

Orestes was the son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, central figures in the saga of the Trojan War and its aftermath. Pylades, the son of King Strophius of Phocis and nephew to Clytemnestra, was Orestes' cousin. Their friendship commenced in their youth when Orestes was sent to Strophius for protection following the murder of his father Agamemnon by Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus.

Their relationship is often portrayed as the ideal of ancient Greek friendship and loyalty. They support each other in times of difficulty and danger, prominently displayed in the story of Orestes' vengeance for his father's murder. Pylades accompanied Orestes on his return to Mycenae to kill his mother Clytemnestra and Aegisthus, an act seen as righteous vengeance but one that plunged Orestes into deep despair and madness.

In Euripides' tragedy "Orestes," Pylades' unwavering support and compassion for Orestes are highlighted, especially as Orestes is tormented by the Furies. Pylades speaks little in this play, but his constant presence by Orestes' side during his tribulations exhibits his profound connection and loyalty.

The relationship between Orestes and Pylades has been idealized in later literary and artistic works, often symbolizing true friendship and devotion. In some interpretations, their relationship is also seen as romantic or erotic, though this is not explicitly stated in ancient sources. Their story exemplifies how friendship and loyalty were highly valued in Greek mythology and culture, considered essential elements of human relationships.

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[planet-gay-comic]

In Verde Antique Marble Carved Love

In the ancient world, homoerotic representations were often seen as normal and even ideal. This is reflected in numerous artworks and sculptures that depict same-sex love and affection. A deep understanding and appreciation of these art forms offer insights into the cultural and social norms of antiquity.

One of the most notable examples of such depictions are the statues of "Eros and Thanatos" from Greek mythology. These statues depict the god of love (Eros) and the god of death (Thanatos) in a loving embrace, suggesting an acceptance and admiration for the relationship between these two deities.

Another famous artwork is the "Alexander Mosaic" from Pompeii, which shows Alexander the Great and his lover Hephaestion in an intimate pose. This depiction underscores the recognition and possibly even the veneration of the relationship between the powerful Macedonian king and his companion.

The statues of the Kouroi, archaic Greek sculptures of young men, are often interpreted as representations of the beauty and ideal of male youth. Some researchers also see them as homoerotic symbols, indicating a broader acceptance of same-sex relationships in Greek society.

In Pompeii, a room with frescoes was discovered, often referred to as the "Island of Love". These frescoes depict erotic scenes, including same-sex relationships, suggesting an open attitude towards various forms of love and desire in Roman culture.

The "Warrior of Capestrano", an ancient statue from the 6th century BC from Italy, depicts a warrior in a pose that some interpret as homoerotic. This depiction might indicate an acceptance of homoerotic themes in ancient Italian art.

These various examples from ancient art demonstrate that homoerotic depictions were widespread and accepted in antiquity. They offer valuable insights into the diversity and complexity of human relationships in the past. It is important to view these works in the context of their time and understand that interpretations of these artworks can be complex and are subject to debate among historians and art experts.

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