Domina Tempora

225: Philip and the Sacred Band of Thebes

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In this episode, we journey back to ancient Greece to explore the Sacred Band of Thebes, an elite force of 150 pairs of male lovers. We discuss their crucial role in ending Spartan domination and the deep bonds they formed in battle. We also touch on the paradox of civilization, where periods of great achievement often coincide with war and turmoil.

Key Quotes:

  1. “The Pals battalions were far from being a new idea. Thousands of years prior, in the 4th century BC, King Philip II of Macedon erected a tribute at Chaeronea to commemorate the bravery of a battalion he conquered whose soldiers had ties to each other that were more intense and passionate.”
  2. “This memorial commemorates the Sacred Band of Thebes, marking the communal grave in which they were buried.”
  3. “The Sacred Band of Thebes was an elite force of the Theban army consisting of 150 pairs of male lovers, and they played a crucial role in ending Spartan domination.”
  4. “One of civilization’s great paradoxes is that periods of great intellectual and political achievement are often accompanied by war and turmoil.”
  5. “The fourth century BC saw a period of political and military upheaval in ancient Greece, marked by the rise of powerful city-states and the growing influence of Macedon, led by Philip II (382 – 336 BC).”

    6. For more historical insights, visit Martini Fisher’s website and check out her book “Time Maps: Mesopotamia”.


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    Domina TemporaBy Martini Fisher

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