EDITORIAL Alessio Virgili Alessandro Cecchi Paone

JULIUS CAESAR AND NERO

Unpredictable love affairs in ancient Rome

Homosexual relationships in the ancient world, which were hidden and the symbol of shame for so long, have left traces throughout Italy. Although historiography attempted to define Julius Caesar’s homosexual relationships as a “youthful mistake,” there is no longer any doubt that the most vigorous of the Roman emperors, most certainly did not disdain relations with other men. One of his great loves was Nicomedes IV the king of Bithinya. Caesar was blinded by his oriental beauty which led to a love affair that lasted in time, even if it was scoffed at by his enemies. Dolabella, for example, defined Caesar as the “rival of the queen and inner edge of the regal litter.” Curione wrote of the “brothel of Nicomedes” and Bibulus called him the “Bithynian queen”. Cicero said in the Senate that Caesar had defended the daughter of the Bithynian king “for obvious reasons.” And even Caesar’s legions in Gaul at the time of his triumph went about singing under their breath: “Gallias Caesar subegit, Nicomedes Caesarem” “Cesare has dominated the Gauls, Nicomedes has dominated Caesar.” In those days things were not that much different than the way they are today. Homosexual relationships were not punished by law, but they were considered dishonourable, especially if the role was a passive one. On the other hand an active homosexual relationship underlined a man’s virility. But Caesar was not new to homosexual love. Plutarch tells us that as a boy he was in love with Sarmentus, while Catullus talks about Mamurras. Endless stories about the emperor’s homosexuality were bandied about, from Cicero to Suetonius, only to do the rounds again in the Middle Ages, up to Dante Alighieri who refers to Caesar and Nicomedes during his journey among the sodomites in Purgatory. But Caesar was not the only emperor who liked the company of other men. Nero, according to Suetonius, married the young Sporus, a beautiful young boy who covered his head for the ceremony with the flammeum, the traditional red veil brides wore in those days – and he also came with a dowry. And Nero, who was “very much in love did not stop at covering him with kisses for all to see.” But Sporus was soon replaced by Nero’s new love Doriforo who was a husband to the emperor. This freedom was not reserved for emperors.

Homosexual marriages, without any legal

standing were frequent, so much so that they were banned in 342. And today here we are talking about them all over again.

Alessio Virgili

Presidente AITGL Ente Italiano Turismo LGBTQ+

WIEN FALL WINTER 2022-23

GO SOUTH

Italy can actually be a very comfort zone for everybody and everywhere. But before choosing your personal itinerary, take your time and think about what are you looking for. I guess you already know that Milan and the sorrounding area is the richest part of the country. It is perfect than for business people, fashion victims, luxury addicted travelers. For the relations it cultivates with the rest of the Western World, it also offer a very open minded society, and a real gay friendly lifestyle. That’s why it was my beloved base in the last 25 years. But this time l’d like to suggest you to try a little more complete esperience. That means: go South! On summertime, off course, to ejoy sea , beaches, outdoor activities, and genuine fun. Let me also remind you, for more, that southern part of Italy is the youngest one of the country. Be ready than to meet everywhere the human beauty at its best. Unfotunately just a few of the foreign people knows that Italy South of Rome can be samely attractive during fall, winter and spring too. By the way, this point is obvious and well known, referring to the big cities like Naples or Palermo, Catania or Syracuse. Full of life and locations to be visited all the year long. Instead not enough people from abroad is aware of the rich and diverse nature and art offered by Puglia, Basilicata and Sardinia, just to make very first examples. Mountains and hills instead of seasides, courtesy and cheaper accomodations. Same food and wine, but no crowds, slow times, deeper meetings, love stories, may be, instead of fast sex. Please let’s try, enjoy if you will appreciate my advice, and let me know.

Alessandro Cecchi Paone

@cecchi.paone Anchorman, University Professor, writer, human and lgbtq+ activist, IGLTA italian Ambassador