In recent weeks, a peculiar trend has taken TikTok by storm, revealing an unexpected obsession among American men—ancient Rome.
The viral question, “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” has flooded the social media platform, prompting scores of women to share their partners’ fascination with the ancient civilization.
Surprisingly, for many, the answer is more than once a day. But what lies beneath this newfound preoccupation with Rome?
Historian Tom Holland offers insights into this phenomenon, shedding light on the complex allure of the Roman Empire in modern America.
Holland’s analysis, featured in Time magazine, delves into the reasons behind this fascination. Rather than attributing it solely to the captivating oratory and literary works of figures like Cicero and Ovid, whose contributions continue to captivate academics two millennia later, Holland suggests a deeper, more visceral connection.
The Roman Empire, he contends, holds a unique position in history as the apex predator of antiquity—powerful, awe-inspiring, and, in contemporary terms, box-office material. Its allure stems not only from its historical significance but also from the allure of its dominance and might. The Romans, in many ways, represent the ultimate embodiment of ancient power and grandeur.
This trend is incredible. Some of the best ones #romanempire #romanempirecompilation
Furthermore, the temporal chasm separating us from the Roman Empire allows modern audiences to approach its cruel and violent aspects with a degree of detachment and acceptance. The Romans, much like dinosaurs, belong to a bygone era—an era safely tucked away in history’s annals.
However, Holland’s analysis delves deeper still. He posits that Americans find in the Romans more than just a distant historical fascination; they encounter a distorted reflection of themselves. Drawing parallels between American conservatives’ admiration for the Founding Fathers and the Founding Fathers’ own nostalgic reverence for Rome, Holland highlights the resonances between the two civilizations.
Both the Romans and Americans share a foundational narrative of liberation from monarchical rule—a triumphant transition from kingship to republicanism. The Romans’ audacious campaign to expel their king resonated with the American Founding Fathers, offering them a compelling moral tale and inspiration. Just as the Romans shed monarchical rule, the infant American republic sought independence and virtue, and the Roman narrative offered an evocative precedent.
However, the historical comparisons become less flattering when examining the challenges and complexities of the 21st century. Both the United States and Rome grappled with conflicts in Iraq, the emergence of rival superpowers, political vendettas that played out in the legal arena, and the rise of radical movements advocating for societal upheaval. These parallels between ancient Rome and contemporary America serve as a sobering reflection on the challenges and dynamics of power, governance, and societal change.
In essence, when Americans think of Rome, they contemplate a civilization that is simultaneously foreign and familiar, terrifying and glamorous, and safely extinct yet paradoxically reflective of themselves. The allure of ancient Rome lies not merely in its historical grandeur but in the complex and multifaceted connections it shares with the American experience. Whether it serves as a source of inspiration or a mirror reflecting contemporary complexities, the Roman Empire continues to captivate the American imagination.
Never once do I think of such things. How is this real?! #romanempire
♬ original sound – Hannah Brown
As modern society navigates its own challenges and uncertainties, the enduring fascination with ancient Rome serves as a reminder of the enduring power of history to illuminate the present. In this age of reflection and exploration, may America chart its own course, cognizant of the lessons of the past, without succumbing to the same fate as the Roman Empire.
