Alexander the Great: A Historical Perspective on the Netflix Documentary

Alexander the Great: A Historical Perspective on the Netflix Documentary

2024-02-21 15:45:15

Jennifer Ullrich / watson.de

The warlord Alexander the Great was one of the most powerful men ever, so his story is still fascinating today. Netflix recently released a new documentary drama, “Alexander the Great: How He Became a God.” The series examines the life of Alexander the Great using re-enacted scenes and interviews with experts.

However, there are protests in Greece once morest the portrayal of the former ruler in the Netflix production. Even politicians are discussing it. This comes following marriage for same-sex couples has only just been allowed in Greece.

Criticism of homosexual representation on Netflix

The relationship between Alexander and his bodyguard and friend Hephaistion, which is homosexual in the series, is particularly controversial. How “Greek Herald» reports, “Alexander the Great” was already an issue in the Greek Parliament for this reason.

Dimitris Natsios, leader of the right-wing Niki party, confronted Culture Minister Lina Mendoni with the question of whether measures would be taken once morest the Netflix production.

In his opinion, the documentary is “regrettable, unacceptable and unhistorical”. Specifically, it is intended to “give a subliminal impression that homosexuality was acceptable in ancient times – an element that has no basis.” The answer he received from Lina Mendoni was clear:

“The Ministry of Culture does not censor. Freedom of art has been enshrined in the Greek Constitution since 1825 and none of its amendments are aimed at freedom of expression.”

However, Mendoni is not a fan of the series either. Her assessment is: “None of the elements of Alexander the Great’s personality are shown in the show, which does not correspond to historical truth.” For them, the documentary is “fiction of extremely poor quality”. On the other hand, the minister points out that “the concept of love in ancient times was broad and multidimensional”.

Censorship or even a ban on “Alexander the Great: How He Became a God” in Greece is definitely off the table.

Even Greek politics is discussing “Alexander the Great”. Image: netflix

Meanwhile, an opinion article goes to «Eleftheros Typos» to judge the series very harshly. The claim is made here that Oliver Stone’s Alexander film from 2004 started a “propaganda campaign regarding Alexander’s homosexuality”.

Alexander the Great: Historians agree

There is widespread agreement among historians that Alexander was attracted to both women and men – although his relationship with Hephaistion in particular is controversial.

This is exactly what is also addressed at Netflix. For example, one expert notes that in ancient Greece there was no word for homosexuality – which of course does not mean that it was not practiced.

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