I think you're on to something. I actually think our perception of gender and relationships are very narrow (yes, even in our modern times, because it's either pro or con, few are "whatever" to the matter), and when people think of "old days" they don't see the variety of traditions and philosophies that has overlapped eachother.

Concerning the couple above... while knowing very little of the subject and era, many brotherhoods have been versions of military pederasty, where sexual relations were not just encouraged, but also necessairy to be able to... I dunno, fight for the same course and risk one's life for eachother, or whatever the philosophy were. There are tales of men who were equally fond of their wifes as they were in battle comrades whom was/were also their lover. Maybe such comrades were buried together at times?

Just a thought.