There's no doubt through the eyes and minds of scholars and historians that Alexander the Great and his longtime childhood friend Hephaestion were actually homosexual lovers. While their relationship was not of modern sophistication, their relationship was quite open during the Ancient Greek era when it was common for men to have male lovers. Pederasty was very a common practice in Ancient Greek times and was well accepted. Historical evidence shows pederasty dating as early as the Ancient Greek era, and is seen a common practice continuing to the contemporary era here in the United States. While one would not have found Alexander and Hephaestion walking hand-in-hand through the cities of Alexander's legendary empire sporting t-shirts that say "I'm So Gay, I Shit Rainbows", they were found visiting royal families together wearing identical clothing or on the battle fronts fighting side by side, followed by cuddling and kissing at late-night campfires celebrating victories. Scholars and historians widely believe Alexander strived to emulate the ancient love between the Greek hero Archilles and his young male lover, Patroclus. Ancient Greek Philosopher Aristotle described Alexander and Hephaestion as "one soul abiding two bodies" in reference to their inseparable companionship with a passion that never waned.
Although Alexander dreamed of heiring a child that would have been a descendant of he and Hephaestion, Hephaestion fell sick of a fatal fever after ignoring medical advice prescribed by his doctor, Glaucias, while traveling through Ancient Persia. Historical accounts tell that Alexander grieved for days, fasting while laying upon Hephaestion's body weeping endlessly to eventually be carried by Alexander's companions. Shortly after Hephaestion's death, Alexander demanded the manes and tails of all the horses be shaved, and the banning of all music and battlements in all cities throughout the empire. During Hephaestion's lavish funeral, Alexander cut a lock of his own hair and laid it to rest on top of Hephaestion's body just as Achilles did during the funeral of his beloved Patroclus. Usually only a practice following the death of king, Alexander demanded the extinguishment of the sacred flame burning in the temple of Babylon.
Colin Farrell and Jared Leto's contemporary portrayal of Alexander the Great and Hephaestion in Oliver Stone's 2004 epic film Alexander.
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