James Smalls

The homoerotic, unlike the homosexual, legitimates erotic desire between members of the same sex by placing that sentiment in a context which rationalizes it—such as classicism, military battle, athletic activities, etc).

Male homosociality refers to all-male groups or environments and is a means by which men construct their identities and consolidate their privilege and social power as males usually through and at the expense of women

Any attempt to fit male representations in ancient art or texts with the status or practices of modern-day homosexuals would be anachronistic.