#RichardTheLionheart

[planet-gay-comic]

Kings and Their Lovers

Male Kings and Their Homoromantic or Erotic Relationships from Antiquity to Modern Times History offers numerous examples of male rulers who had homoromantic or erotic relationships with other men. These connections were often complex and influenced by cultural, societal, and personal factors. Here are some remarkable examples:

Antiquity

Alexander the Great (356–323 BC) The Macedonian king and famous conqueror had a particularly close relationship with Hephaestion, his childhood friend and confidant. Plutarch described Hephaestion as "Alexander's lover." After Hephaestion's death, Alexander was inconsolable and ordered a nationwide mourning. The Persian eunuch Bagoas is also mentioned in ancient sources as Alexander's lover.

Emperor Hadrian (76–138 AD) The Roman emperor is known for his passionate relationship with the young Greek Antinous. When Antinous drowned in the Nile, Hadrian was devastated. He had his lover deified, founded the city of Antinoopolis, and erected statues of Antinous throughout the empire. These actions testify to Hadrian's deep affection and grief.

Middle Ages

Richard the Lionheart (1157–1199) Richard I of England had a close relationship with Philip II of France. Contemporary chroniclers described how the two kings "ate from the same table and drank from the same cup every night" and "slept in the same bed." Although the exact nature of their relationship remains disputed, such reports suggest a very intimate connection.

Edward II of England (1284–1327) Edward II had an intense relationship with Piers Gaveston, which chroniclers of the time described as excessively intimate. Later, he developed a similarly close relationship with Hugh Despenser the Younger. These connections led to political tensions and ultimately contributed to Edward's deposition.

Modern Times

James I of England (1566–1625) James, also known as James VI of Scotland, had several close relationships with men. Particularly notable was his connection with George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham. In letters, James called Villiers "my sweet child and wife" and "my dear Venus boy." This correspondence indicates a passionate and intimate relationship.

Louis XIV of France (1638–1715) Although the Sun King is primarily known for his female mistresses, there are indications of intimate relationships with men. The Duke of Saint-Simon reported in his memoirs of several homosexual affairs at court, including one between Louis and his brother Philippe, Duke of Orléans.

Frederick the Great of Prussia (1712–1786) Frederick had close relationships with several men, particularly Hans Hermann von Katte in his youth. Although Frederick married, the marriage remained childless and distant. Instead, he surrounded himself with a circle of close male friends and confidants.

Ludwig II of Bavaria (1845–1886) Known as the "Fairy Tale King," Ludwig II had close and presumably romantic relationships with several men. Particularly well-known are his connections to Richard Hornig, his stable master, and Paul von Thurn und Taxis. Ludwig's homosexuality was an open secret during his lifetime and contributed to the accusations that led to his dethronement.

Modern Era

Tsar Nicholas II of Russia (1868–1918) Although later married, the last Russian Tsar had a close relationship as a young man with his cousin, Prince Nicholas of Greece. In letters, he described their "special friendship" and the "wonderful nights" they spent together.

These examples show that same-sex relationships among rulers were not uncommon. The nature and perception of such connections varied greatly depending on the cultural and historical context. While some relationships were lived relatively openly, others remained hidden due to societal norms and political implications or were only hinted at in documentation.

It is important to note that modern concepts of sexual orientation and identity cannot be directly applied to historical figures. Many of these rulers would not have identified themselves as homosexual or bisexual, as these terms did not exist in their time. Their relationships must be understood in the context of their respective culture and time.

Nevertheless, these historical examples offer important insights into the diversity of human relationships and show that same-sex love and affection existed even at the highest levels of power.

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Image generated with SD1.5. Overworked with inpainting (SD1.5/SDXL) and composing.

[furlantravelfashionblogger]

Gravensteen Castle, located in Ghent, Belgium, is a striking medieval fortress that stands as a testament to the region's rich history. Constructed in the late 12th century by Count Philip of Alsace, it was designed to assert his dominance and provide a strategic defense against invaders. The name "Gravensteen" translates to "Castle of the Counts," reflecting its role as the residence of the Counts of Flanders. The castle's imposing stone walls, fortified towers, and deep moat exemplify medieval military architecture, offering a vivid glimpse into the past.

Over the centuries, Gravensteen has served various purposes beyond its original defensive role. It has been a royal residence, a court, and even a prison, each phase adding layers to its storied past. In the 19th century, the castle faced potential demolition but was saved and later restored, allowing it to become a significant historical site. Today, it functions as a museum, inviting visitors to explore its dungeons, armory, and ancient halls. Exhibits and guided tours provide insights into medieval life and the castle's evolution. Gravensteen Castle remains an iconic symbol of Ghent, blending historical intrigue with architectural splendor, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.

#montbrun #chateaudemontbrun #montbruncastle #richardthelionheart #instacastles #instacastle #castlesofinstagram #chateauxdefrance #medievalcastle #medievalfrance #medievaleurope #europeancastles #castlesofeurope #frenchcastle #middleages #medievalfortress #castlesoftheworld #medievalarchitecture #moyenage #medievalcastles

[hughrlgrosvenor11]

🌾🙌🏻 The beauty of Eaton Hall 🙌🏻🌾😻😻😻 Historical Buildings On The Eaton Estate 🌞🌾🦁 --> 🙌🏻 Grosvenor Park Lodge (originally the park keeper’s lodge) 🙌🏻 was originally the park keeper’s lodge and is now the city council’s parks & gardens office. It was designed by local architect John Douglas. The lodge, together with some of the other structures in the park, are among his first recorded commissions by the Grosvenor family, and the first known example of his use of black-and-white architecture. The lodge is in two storeys, the lower storey being built in red sandstone and the upper storey being timber-framed with plaster panels. The roofs are of red-brown tiles. On the upper storey are eight carvings which represent William the Conqueror and the seven Norman Earls of Chester. The lodge has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II listed building.

https://www.instagram.com/p/COlghunnYr2/

original pic: https://life-of-the-nonidle-noble-rich.tumblr.com/post/164642219469/historical-buildings-on-the-eaton-estate

[thebritishmonarchycouk]

Richard Coeur de Lion by Carlo Marochetti, an equestrian statue depicting Richard I of England. . After its model was displayed in the Great Exhibition of 1851, a bronze casting was installed outside the New Palace of Westminster in 1860. . 👑 Richard I (8 September 1157 – 6 April 1199) was King of England from 1189 until his death. . He also ruled as Duke of Normandy, Aquitaine & Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Poitiers, Anjou, Maine, & Nantes, & was overlord of Brittany at various times during the same period. . He was the third of five sons of King Henry II of England Eleanor of Aquitaine. He was known as Richard Cœur de Lion or Richard the Lionheart because of his reputation as a great military leader & warrior. . Did you know ? His mother Eleanor of Aquitaine was queen consort of France (1137–1152, as the wife of Louis VII, marriage annulled in 15) & then England (1154–1189) & duchess of Aquitaine in her own right (1137–1204). . By the age of 16, Richard had taken command of his own army. Richard was a central Christian commander during the Third Crusade, leading the campaign after the departure of Philip II of France & achieving considerable victories against his Muslim counterpart, Saladin, although he did not retake Jerusalem from Saladin. . Did you know? At some time around the 16th century, tales of Robin Hood started to mention him as a contemporary & supporter of King Richard the Lionheart, Robin being driven to outlawry, during the misrule of Richard's evil brother John, while Richard was away at the Third Crusade. . ◼ Richard is also credited with having originated the English crest of a lion statant (now statant-guardant). The coat of three lions continues to represent England on several coins of the pound sterling, forms the basis of several emblems of English national sports teams (such as the England national football team, & the team's "Three Lions" anthem), & endures as one of the most recognisable national symbols of England. . . . #RichardI #Richardlionheart #Kingrichard #KingRichardI #Plantagenet #Angevin #Plantagenets #Houseofplantagenet #Kingofengland #Richardthelionheart #Lionheart #warrior #coeurdelion #Westminster #Royalhistory (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzgr1y7ggjL/?igshid=17nz7oc6z93hr

[smokepit-fairytales]

I didn’t do a damn thing with Richard the Lionheart! I was sunning around with Saladin for the crusades (the ones in Israel anyway). You see, there’s two things that you have to consider, first off, Dick Lionheart was French, he was just running around pretending to be English. Secondly, the only time I agreed with the French was while Napoleon was running it. So, just like Afghanistan in the 80s, I sided with the Muj in the crusades to stick it to those frog eating baguettes. Now, Saladin wasn’t a big drinker, being a Muslim and all, but holy shit did he have the good hash. One time we got high as fuck and thought it would be funny to sneak into Dick’s hideout and replace all their Camembert cheese with the gunk growing under our junk. We hid behind the curtains and almost died trying not to laugh as Cryonheart and his weak ass wine drinkers ate out fromunda. Anyway, This film is dedicated to the brave Mujahideen fighters of Afghanistan. Go read Smokepit Fairytales. #saladin #richardthelionheart #crusade #crusader #crushmemes #peaceinthemiddleeast #peaceinchrist #throwbackthursday #stolenvalor https://www.instagram.com/p/CRpqOeqrLta/?utm_medium=tumblr

[joysobin-blog]

Richard the Lionheart comes alive in this masterpiece of medieval tapestry. Dedicated to all bibliophiles who love historical fiction and have the desire to travel back in time. #sharonpenman #panmacmillan #richardthelionheart #crusades #history #war #passion #backintheday #fiction #bibiliophile #booklovers #readingclub #sobinjoy #joy_be_yours #lin_t_a #library #instareading #turnapage #england #siciliy #holyland #jerusalem #voyage #medieval #saladin #chivalry #knights #templar #vow https://www.instagram.com/p/COMEr26L-nI/?igshid=2x7b8r809nys

[brilliantgemsblog]

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A post shared by Rondie Evans (@brilliant_gems)

Jai jai Lakshmi. Just found this lucky piece of silver on the river bank. Lion of Judah, Richard the Lion Heart. #lionofjudah #richardthelionheart #templar #templarcross #maltesecross #stgeorge #dragon #greenman #ancient #ancientengland #glorytogod #today #now (at West Lydford, Somerset, United Kingdom)

[redosnap]

Woah #richardthelionheart #lionheart #crusades #crusaders #cyprus #todayilearned #TIL #reddit #redosnap https://www.instagram.com/p/CGyzt8AjL6Y/?igshid=5o4bnbf15sk6

[makebritaingreatagain]

We wuz kangs.

[rmdreier]

1918 HC IVANHOE a Romance Sir Walter Scott Macmillan's Pocket Classics. This historical adventure novel is in good shape. Slight rubbing to spine, slight creasing to front board, and writing to the inside front cover as shown. The text block appears to be in unread condition. 📦$13 shipped in the US. Link in bio, claim in comments or DM to purchase. 📚🗡️🏹🏰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #sirwalterscott #ivanhoe #england #medieval #witchcraft #anglosaxon #normaninvasion #richardthelionheart #kingrichard #crusades #thirdcrusade #templar #princejohn #witchtrials #jousting #robinhood #theblackknight #booksofinstagram #bookseller #bookstagram #bookworm #bibliophile #bibliomane #vintagebooks4sale #vintage #vintagebooks #antiquebook #bookaddict #bookaneer #bookaneer4sale (at Dodge Center, Minnesota) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9hMFdgglvW/?igshid=f5iq5yo5azn8

[thelocalbuzz-blog1]

Designated one of the most beautiful villages in France, BEYNAC-ET-CAZENAC in Dordogne is home to a stunning château, said to be one of the most authentic and best conserved in Périgord. Carved out of rock and sitting 150 metres above the Dordogne river, the 12th century fortress boasts an A-list of visitors including Richard the Lionheart, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Simon de Montfort during the Hundred Years War. It also offers a magnificent view from the top of the medieval keep over the “valley of five châteaux”. Every Thursday until 5th September you can join a walking tour, lasting 1.5 hours, of this beautiful village. (booked via the tourist office). Visit our article pages to catch up on more “seven wonders of our region”. #beynacetcazenac #dordogne #aquitaine #richardthelionheart #queeneleanor #hundredyearswar #walkingtour #walkingtours #100yearswar (at Beynac-et-Cazenac) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1TKgGeokXb/?igshid=1ow4mfie90qrd

[cool-david-stafford]

In the Château de Beynac-et-Cazenac which was once the home of Richard the Lionheart. #châteaudebeynac #Richard1 #richardthelionheart #dordogne #pyrenees #france #iphone (at Beynac-et-Cazenac) https://www.instagram.com/david.stafford/p/BxXIktyBA3d/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bcnugm7bzhjg

[hughrlgrosvenor11]

🌾🙌🏻 The beauty of Eaton Hall 🙌🏻🌾😻😻😻 Historical Buildings On The Eaton Estate 🌞🌾🦁 —> 🙌🏻 The stained glass of Eaton Chapel 🙌🏻 is so amazing. 😻👍🏻 WOW... https://www.instagram.com/p/CO4mLfEnizs/ PS. The stained glass in the windows of the south side of the nave and the apse, and the mosaics in the blank on the north side of the nave were designed by Frederic Shields. These were commissioned in 1876 and made by Heaton, Butler and Bayne. original pic: https://life-of-the-nonidle-noble-rich.tumblr.com/post/164490714364/historical-buildings-on-the-eaton-estate-eaton

[compagnieoghma]

La hapelle Saint-Martin de Limeuil, là pù se croisent la Dordogne et la Vézère, a été bâtie sur les ordres conjoints du roi de France et de Richard cœur de Lion. Elle accueillera notre ensemble invité du festival 2019 dans un spectacle qui rappellera notre histoire anglaise. On annonce le menu complet à nos spectateurs d’Auriac-du-Périgord le 5 avril. Réservez via le lien dans notre bio! . . . . #dordogne #justmyperigord #medieval #eglise #church #100yearwar #fortified #perigord #perigordnoir #guerrede100ans #richardthelionheart #rochzrdcoeurdelion #history #patrimoine #plusbeauxvillagesdefrance (at Limeuil) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvZJojABCc3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bmuua5ohqbm7

[hooraylorraine]

King Richard the Lionheart died today in 1199, from an arrow wound that got infected. He actually wasn't that great of a king - went gallivanting around on a bunch of crusades killing people for the heck of it (not cool, bro) and left the country to be run by his bro John (also not cool). Makes an awesome good guy in Robin Hood though! #YOLO #TOLO #thouonlylivethonce #richardthelionheart #richardthefirst #britishmonarchy #illustration #calligraphy #medieval #erinbarkerillustration #robinhood