Interesting assertion

[dean]

Hello,Just reading today "The nature of Alexander" and Renault writes that maybe the fact that Alexander decided to shave his beard was an indication of his bisexuality. I don't know - I tend to believe that it was an attempt to get away from the stereotypes of the times. But who knows?Dean.

[ruthaki]

I agree Dean, and also he had a valid point in saying that it didn't give the enemy a chance for a hand-hold which made sense in that close and personal kind of fighting. I think Alex and his Companions were quite the gorgeous guys of the time too, and why not show it off and start a new trend?

[ancientlibrary]

But did he wax?

[ruthaki]

No doubt. Goose grease? Lamb fat? any number of pomades available.

[Lidna]

It would have ot be something that hardened quickly, or even some sort of gum that would stick to the hair, and allow then to be slowly ripped off...
but a quick search shows that there is a page in existence called hair removal through the ages:http://www.depilatory.com/index.html"The Greeks, who equated smooth with civilized, did it,"The Egyptians use beeswax, it says..

[ruthaki]

Is this how Alexander and pals kept their faces looking smooth as baby's bums?

[xxx]

As I recall, this was the fashion in Athens at the time. A smooth face indicated youth, not bisexuality (which was normal for his time and therefore no reason to indicate it). And the Greeks were very covetous of youth.

[xxx]

As I recall, this was the fashion in Athens at the time. A smooth face indicated youth, not bisexuality (which was normal for his time and therefore no reason to indicate it). And the Greeks were very covetous of youth.