Homosexual attraction sometimes existed in the form of pederasty, which influenced ancient Greek and especially Spartan military practices.[17] This usually consisted in romantic relations and mentoring by adult men with male youths. Pederastic relations are thought to have played some role with Sparta’s overarching “contest-system” or the agoge, which aimed to shape male Spartans into soldiers.[18]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_the_militaries_of_ancient_Greece

[–] Lucky_777@lemmy.world 7 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Interesting! Thanks for that, had no idea the practice was in Sparta. Yes the quote is from 300, even though it's not exactly what he said in the movie. I was too lazy to look it up.

[–] Mniot@programming.dev 3 points 8 months ago

For more interesting writing about the historical Sparta, check out the history blog A Collection of Unmitigated Pedantry: