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The Sacred Band: Three Hundred Theban Lovers and the Last Days of Greek Freedom

Name: The Sacred Band: Three Hundred Theban Lovers and the Last Days of Greek Freedom
Price: 9.37 USD
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Rating: 4.4 (171 reviews)

4.40 of 5 Stars: LGBTQ+ Demographic Studies - The Sacred Band: Three Hundred Theban Lovers and the Last Days of Greek Freedom

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Book Synopsis: From classicist James Romm comes a “striking…fascinating” (Booklist) deep dive into the last decades of ancient Greek freedom leading up to Alexander the Great’s destruction of Thebes—and the saga of the greatest military corps of the time, the Theban Sacred Band, a unit composed of 150 pairs of male lovers. The story of the Sacred Band, an elite 300-man corps recruited from pairs of lovers, highlights a chaotic era of ancient Greek history, four decades marked by battles, ideological disputes, and the rise of vicious strongmen. At stake was freedom, democracy, and the fate of Thebes, at this time the leading power of the Greek world. The tale begins in 379 BC, with a group of Theban patriots sneaking into occupied Thebes. Disguised in women’s clothing, they cut down the agents of Sparta, the state that had cowed much of Greece with its military might. To counter the Spartans, this group of patriots would form the Sacred Band, a corps whose history plays out against a backdrop of Theban democracy, of desperate power struggles between leading city-states, and the new prominence of eros, sexual love, in Greek public life. After four decades without a defeat, the Sacred Band was annihilated by the forces of Philip II of Macedon and his son Alexander in the Battle of Chaeronea—extinguishing Greek liberty for two thousand years. Buried on the battlefield where they fell, they were rediscovered in 1880—some skeletons still in pairs, with arms linked together. From violent combat in city streets to massive clashes on open ground, from ruthless tyrants to bold women who held their era in thrall, The Sacred Band recounts “in fluent, accessible prose” (The Wall Street Journal) the twists and turns of a crucial historical moment: the end of the treasured freedom of ancient Greece.

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Explore the captivating world of ancient Greek history with The Sacred Band: Three Hundred Theban Lovers and the Last Days of Greek Freedom. Delve into the thrilling saga of the Theban Sacred Band, a legendary military corps comprised of 150 pairs of male lovers. This meticulously researched and deeply insightful book, written by acclaimed classicist James Romm, not only unveils the dramatic events leading up to Alexander the Great's conquest of Thebes but also sheds light on a chaotic era filled with battles, ideological disputes, and the rise of formidable leaders.

Discover the roots of freedom and democracy as you witness the epic struggle of Thebes, the dominant power in the Greek world at that time. Immerse yourself in the compelling tale that begins in 379 BC when a group of Theban patriots, disguised as women, bravely eliminate the agents of Sparta, a state known for its military supremacy. It is from the remnants of this group that the Sacred Band emerges, serving as a symbol of resistance against tyranny. As tensions mount and power dynamics shift between city-states, this remarkable corps fights relentlessly to protect the treasured ideals of ancient Greece.

Prepare to be enthralled by the vivid accounts of fierce combat, both in the streets and on the battlefield. Experience the pulse-pounding clashes between the Sacred Band and the forces of Philip II of Macedon and his son Alexander in the decisive Battle of Chaeronea. As the final chapter of Greek liberty unfolds, you'll be transported to a time filled with ruthless tyrants, fearless women who leave an indelible mark, and the ever-increasing prominence of eros, love and desire, in Greek society.

James Romm's engaging and accessible prose brings this vital historical moment back to life, offering you the opportunity to witness the dramatic end of the cherished freedom of ancient Greece. Don't miss your chance to experience the triumphs, tragedies, and incredible sacrifice of the Theban Sacred Band. Purchase your copy of The Sacred Band: Three Hundred Theban Lovers and the Last Days of Greek Freedom today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the annals of history.

Uncover the captivating story of Theban freedom now!

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