Gay roman soldiers

Whether their relationship was romantic or not, what Sergius and Bacchus represent today is more powerful than ever: two men who never gave up their identity, their faith, and—perhaps—their love. Share This Post:.

Homosexuality in the Roman

A Roman soldier, like every free and self-respecting Roman, was socially obligated to discipline, also in matters of sexuality. Homosexuality in ancient Rome differed markedly from the contemporary West. Specifically, love and relationships between Roman soldiers are, at most, pretty common.

Latin lacks words that would precisely translate "homosexual" and "heterosexual". Catholic iconographer Robert Lentz portrayed them embraced, with intertwined halos, in a style that evokes both Orthodox tradition and contemporary gay roman. Their feast day is celebrated on October 7th, and they are still venerated in Eastern and Orthodox Churches.

Two officers in the Roman army, martyrs, saints… and perhaps lovers. Sergius and Bacchus are two young officers serving in the Eastern Roman army. Devout Christians, their faith is discovered when they refuse to perform sacrifices to the pagan gods.

But why exactly is there little to no record of their stories?. They became patrons of the Byzantine army, and churches were built in their honor throughout the Mediterranean—from the Middle East to Rome. While many scholars view their connection as a spiritual brotherhood, others see the relationship between Sergius and Bacchus as one of the earliest gay love stories in Christianity — hidden or rather, veiled by centuries of tradition.

The Story of Sergius and Bacchus. A Story to Carry With You Whether their relationship was romantic or not, what Sergius and Bacchus represent today is more powerful than ever: two men who never gave up their identity, their faith, and—perhaps—their love.

Roman society was patriarchal, and the freeborn male citizen possessed political liberty (libertas) and the right. At a time when being a Christian meant risking your life, Sergius gay Bacchus chose not only to remain faithful to their beliefs, but also — according to some interpretations — to each other.

Get A Quote. [1] The primary dichotomy of ancient Roman sexuality was active / dominant / masculine and passive / submissive / feminine. Queer Saints, Venerated Around the World Although their story was buried under centuries of religious interpretation, the cult of Sergius and Bacchus spread rapidly.

Although their story was buried under centuries of religious interpretation, the cult of Sergius and Bacchus spread rapidly. A scene that, sadly, foreshadows the systemic homophobia history would echo for centuries to come. Today, their image has become a queer symbol of resistance.

In the Roman military of the Republic period, any manifestations of homosexuality were severely exterminated. We are in the 3rd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Galerius. Don't have an account Register. They appear in novels, illustrations, essays, and performances—not just as Christian martyrs, but as representatives of a love that survived persecution, historical revisionism, and religious taboos.

Bacchus was the first to die, after enduring horrific torture. Sign In. Lost your password? Learn more at quiiky. And who, in some way, continue to inspire those today striving to live freely, with respect for themselves and others.