Controversy over Alexander the Great’s sexuality over new Netflix documentary

The warlord Alexander the Great was one of the most powerful men ever, so his story is still fascinating today. Netflix recently released a new documentary drama, “Alexander the Great: How He Became a God.” The series explores the life of Alexander the Great through reenacted scenes and interviews with experts.

However, in Greece there are protests against the portrayal of the former ruler in the Netflix production. Even politicians are discussing it. This comes after marriage for same-sex couples has only just been allowed in Greece.

The relationship between Alexander and his bodyguard and friend Hephaistion, who is homosexual in the series, is especially controversial. As “Greek Herald” reports, “Alexander the Great” was already a topic in the Greek parliament for this reason.

Dimitris Natsios, leader of the right-wing Niki party, confronted Culture Minister Lina Mendoni about whether measures would be taken against the Netflix production.

According to him, the documentary is “regrettable, unacceptable and unhistorical”. Specifically, it is intended to “create a subliminal impression that homosexuality was acceptable in ancient times – an element that has no basis.” The answer he received from Lina Mendoni was clear:

However, Mendoni is not a fan of the series either. Her verdict reads: “None of the elements of Alexander the Great’s personality are shown in the show, which does not correspond to historical truth.” For them, the documentary is “fiction of extremely poor quality”. On the other hand, the minister points out that “the concept of love in ancient times was broad and multi-dimensional.”

Censorship or even a ban on “Alexander the Great: How He Became a God” in Greece is definitely off the table.

Meanwhile, an opinion article on “Eleftheros Typos” is very harsh on the series. Here it is claimed that Oliver Stone started a ‘propaganda campaign about Alexander’s homosexuality’ with the 2004 Alexander film.

There is widespread agreement among historians that Alexander was attracted to both women and men, although his relationship with Hephaestion is especially controversial.

This is exactly what Netflix also pays attention to. For example, one expert notes that in ancient Greece there was no word for homosexuality – which of course doesn’t mean it wasn’t practiced.