In a peculiar new trend on social media platforms, men are claiming that they think about the Roman Empire with surprising frequency, leaving women puzzled. The trend began when a user on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter) shared her husband’s response to her question about how often he thinks about the Roman Empire. He immediately replied, “Every day.” This tweet gained traction, leading other women to test the theory asking their male partners the same question. Videos on TikTok emerged, showcasing men confidently stating that they think about the Roman Empire on a regular basis, sometimes even as frequently as once a week.
The phenomenon has sparked confusion, with the hashtag #romanempire on TikTok attracting over 900 million views. Many women speculate that this trend may be a prank, while others express bewilderment at their partners’ responses. However, some individuals are genuinely intrigued the thought process behind this fascination with a government that existed two millennia ago.
Historian Hannah Cornwell from Birmingham University suggests that the allure of the Roman Empire may stem from the vivid images associated with it, which have been ingrained in popular culture through Hollywood films like Gladiator and Spartacus. The mention of the Roman Empire often brings to mind images of the Roman legion and the imperial eagle, evoking thoughts of military strength and grandeur.
Psychologist Dr. Alicia Brown proposes that the association of the Roman Empire with strength and conquest may be a reason for its appeal to men. Throughout history, society has often aligned men with notions of power, and the Roman Empire embodies tales of strength, resilience, and dominance. Exploring the origins of societal strength may captivate those interested in historical narratives from ancient times.
While it may seem like a gendered thought pattern, some women have come forward to challenge this assumption. They argue that a fascination with the Roman Empire is not exclusive to men but is driven personal interest in the past and the lessons it offers about modern society.
Source: The Washington Post, Mashable
