The blending of military life and love between men in ancient Greece is thought to be expressed in the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus.

The Sacred Band of Thebes is the most prominent example in ancient Greece of a military which emphasized homosexual bonds between soldiers as a matter of strength.

Ancient Sparta had varied feelings towards homosexuality and its relation to the military, at times finding it helpful and at other times preferring that soldiers find their bonds in other ways.