The Roman Empire Continues to Captivate the Minds of Many

Despite nearly 2,000 years since its peak, the Roman Empire still occupies the thoughts of numerous men. A new trend on social media, where women ask the men in their lives about their frequency of thinking about ancient Rome, has revealed that many men contemplate it on a weekly, daily, or even more frequent basis – much to the surprise and bewilderment of their loved ones.

One woman’s fiancé confessed in a TikTok video that he thinks about ancient Rome three times a day, explaining, “There’s so much to think about.” Another man, when asked to justify his contemplation of ancient Rome, exclaimed, “They built an entire world-dominating society!” A screenshot shared on TikTok showcased another person admitting to thinking about ancient Rome at least once a day, expressing surprise at how his interlocutor knew about their conversation on Roman aqueducts and concrete.

But why does ancient Rome hold such fascination primarily for men in the present day? Historians propose that Western societies have historically emphasized aspects of Roman history associated with masculinity, such as politics and warfare. Hannah Cornwell, a historian at Birmingham University, suggests that the association of ancient Rome with masculinity and power, through images of Roman legions, imperial eagles, and gladiators, has influenced the popular perception of the Roman Empire.

The recent TikTok trend appears to have been sparked by Artur Hulu, a Roman reenactor and history influencer known as “Gaius Flavius” on social media. Hulu noticed a gender disparity in the interest in Roman history and decided to prompt men to share their thoughts on the Roman Empire. He posits that the interest in ancient Rome has persisted among men for centuries, from the Renaissance to the Founding Fathers, due to its influence on various aspects of contemporary life.

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However, it is important to note that Rome itself is not solely a topic of interest for men, as some videos may suggest. Ancient Rome was a diverse place with multiple forms of masculinity, women with agency and power, and various gender expressions and identities. Historians point out examples like Emperor Elagabalus experimenting with cross-dressing and the presence of female gladiators. While the Romans had clear notions of masculinity and femininity, there was also significant flexibility within those definitions.

Overall, the frequency of thinking about the Roman Empire varies among individuals. Historian Cornwell highlights that it ultimately depends on the specific aspects one is contemplating. So, whether it’s once a day or once a month, the enduring allure of ancient Rome continues to captivate the minds of many.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the time period during which Roman emperor Elagabalus reigned. He was emperor from A.D. 218 to 222, not 218 to 222 B.C. This article has been corrected.