Why Are People So Obsessed With the Roman Empire?

If you’ve seen the original Gladiator from 2000, you’ll remember it as the story of Maximus (Russell Crowe), a Roman general who falls from grace and seeks revenge against the corrupt Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). That movie swept the Oscars and mesmerized audiences with its epic battles and dramatic portrayal of ancient Rome. More than two decades later, the sequel is stirring up the same energy, proving we’re still hooked on the Roman Empire.

This obsession isn’t just about movies. Think back to 2023, when a TikTok trend took the internet by storm. Women across the platform asked their spouses, families, and friends, "How often do you think about the Roman Empire?" The answers? Everything from “every day” to “a couple of times a month.” Social media exploded with theories, jokes, and memes, revealing that men everywhere seemed to daydream about ancient Rome for reasons no one fully understood.

Fast forward to now, and another trend is keeping the Roman Empire alive on TikTok. People post artistic drawings of Roman history set to the song “Belisarius - Epic Byzantine Music” by Farya Faraji. The song, performed by an Iranian artist singing in Latin to a Greek bagpipe melody, is a nod to Belisarius, a Byzantine general often called one of the “last Romans.” He’s celebrated for embodying Rome’s discipline, strategy, and loyalty values. It’s a fascinating mix of modern creativity and historical homage that keeps the spirit of Rome alive in ways the original empire could never have imagined.

But why are we all so hooked on the Roman Empire? According to Texas A&M history professor Dr. Daniel Schwartz, it’s everywhere in our modern lives, from designing government buildings to structuring legal systems. Roman influences are baked into our culture even if we don't notice it. But Dr. Schwartz also reminds us that life in ancient Rome wasn’t exactly glamorous. Slavery, poverty, and violence were rampant, and the empire was far from the shining example of power and glory many imagined it to be.

Still, there’s something about Rome that draws us in. Maybe it’s the sheer scale of it—an empire that spanned continents, commanded massive armies and built iconic structures like the Colosseum. Or maybe it’s what the Roman Empire represents: a sense of order, power, and purpose that feels so far removed from the chaos of modern life. Roman Stoicism, which emphasizes self-control and resilience, has gained popularity online as a philosophical framework for coping with contemporary anxieties. For many, the imagery of gladiators and generals represents an escape from the complexities of today’s world.

Of course, modern media plays a big role in shaping this obsession. Gladiator wasn’t exactly a history lesson. Ridley Scott worked with historians to ground the film in reality, but plenty of liberties were taken to make it more dramatic. With Gladiator 2, are we still hooked on Rome, or are we just nostalgic for the emotions we felt watching the first movie?

Whatever the reasons, one thing is clear: the Roman Empire continues to resonate. Its legacy remains fascinating, whether through viral memes, historical epics, or philosophical musings. While not everyone delves deeply into history, these cultural touchpoints often inspire curiosity and learning about the rise and fall of one of the world’s most famous civilizations. The enduring appeal may reflect a mix of nostalgia, escapism, and a genuine interest in understanding humanity’s complex past.