Being Gay in the Roman Army?

What was the Roman Army's stance on homosexuality in the military? Full video:    • Rome's Gay Emperors and Soldiers DOCU...  

The answer is related to broader ideas regarding sexuality in the ancient world. For the Romans, records show that they were less concerned with the gender of partners so much as they were worried about who played the active role. Free male citizens were expected to be dominant in all relations, be they with men or women, in order to preserve their virtue.

Thus the Roman army would punish troops who engaged in homosexual relationships with each as it necessarily followed that one party would be taking the submissive and thus shameful role. BUT these same soldiers were free to engage in same-sex relationships outside of camp with those of lesser status such as slaves, youths, or social infamis. Roman commanders do seem to have had some leeway here and we have numerous reports of their same-sex relations while on campaign.

Stay tuned for a full episode as we dive into the history of Rome's Gay Emperors. What other How They Did It episodes should we do next?