Released on Netflix: 'Alexander the Great' documentary emphasizing homosexuality sparks controversy in Greece

A Netflix documentary detailing the life of the Macedonian emperor Alexander in the 4th century B.C. has sparked controversy in Greece.

Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni described the documentary, which shows Alexander the Great in a homosexual relationship with Hephaestion, one of his close friends and generals, as "an extremely low-quality production."

In the opening scenes of the documentary, released under the title 'Alexander: The Making of a God,' Alexander the Great and Hephaestion are shown in a romantic and sexual relationship.

The scene in question has drawn reactions from the church and conservative circles in Greece.

CLAIMS OF 'DISTORTED FACTS'

In an article published in the newspaper Eleftheros Typos, it was argued that the documentary "distorts the facts," and it was claimed that director Oliver Stone's 2004 film 'Alexander' had "launched a propaganda campaign suggesting Alexander the Great was homosexual."

Minister of Culture Mendoni, who was called upon by a right-wing leader to censor the work, argued during a parliamentary session that the documentary was "overflowing with historical inaccuracies" and commented that "the director was careless and the script was extremely inadequate."

'ALEXANDER DOES NOT NEED A PROTECTOR'

Minister Mendoni continued her remarks as follows:

"However, you know that in antiquity, the concept of love was broad and multidimensional. We cannot interpret practices or people from 2,300 years ago through our own standards, norms, or assumptions.

For 2,300 years, Alexander the Great has never needed the intervention of an uninvited protector regarding how he is remembered in history, his personality, or his moral stance, and he does not need one now either.”