The Goddess vs. The Warrior

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately, I’m sure you’ve stumbled upon a trend going around asking guys how often they think about the Roman Empire. Now, while this question might seem odd and even pointless, it’s struck many conversations about our connection and fascination with the past. We find ourselves asking where this appeal came from, what it means, and most importantly, how it ties into our modern experience.

To start off, let's unpack what the Roman Empire was and how it ties into modern society. The Roman Empire was one of the most influential and durable civilizations in human history. It began in 27 BC and lasted over a millennium. It was a massive empire that once dominated much of the known world. It rose to unparalleled heights in terms of military and architectural advantages and its contributions to law, governance, and culture. Its legacy is sustained in modern society in numerous ways, from the principles and structures of justice to our systems in engineering, architecture, cultural influences, and more. 

So why do men, in particular, find themselves drawn to the Roman Empire? This question has intrigued many social media users and non-users alike in the past weeks. Perhaps it's the allure of the Roman warrior who embodies ideals of strength and honor. We see movies such as Troy, Gladiator, 300, and more, where warriors are displayed as heroes, great conquerors, and protectors. It’s a common conception that men, at their core, typically value strength and power. It’s no surprise then that the Roman Empire is held to great admiration, especially in a culture where the pace of things is much slower. We also see Roman culture come about in today's day and age through stoicism, which is a philosophy that emerged during the Roman period and has found a resurgence in modern self-help culture.

But it’s not just the men who are fascinated with romanticizing history. Recently, another trend has emerged where women have been sharing their “female version of the Roman Empire.” The answers range from Greek Mythology to the Salem Witch Trials, the Renaissance, and even the early 2000s. The parallels we have discovered in all these eras and themes seem to include female empowerment, strength, emotional depth, and creativity. The Salem Witch Trials, for example, was a time when women were prosecuted and burned alive for their knowledge of the natural world and its healing abilities. This era encapsulates fear, courage, rebellion, and a level of empowerment for women by fighting back against a system that sought to control them. On the other hand, the Renaissance embodied a flourishing of artistic expression and curiosity, which broke free of traditional confinements. These eras call out to acts of rebellion and resistance carried out by women and the pursuit of knowledge and freedom. 

The Roman Empire trend, along with its “female versions,” have brought up perhaps the most pressing question of all: why are we so obsessed with romanticizing the past? Not to say we don’t appreciate our current culture; however, many of us are familiar with feelings of longing. This is something that extends past ancient Rome or any particular era. There's something inherently appealing about the past – a desire for a simpler, more meaningful life, a longing for connection, or a fascination with the stories of those who came before us. Yet, this romanticism comes with some drawbacks. We tend to get carried away in the poetry of our daydreams and epic fiction. It's easy to adopt an idyllic view of the past. Yet we must remember that history, like the present, is more complex than the imagined stories we create around it. It’s important not to overlook the historical injustices that occurred or misrepresent the reality in those times. This obsession with the past can also be perceived as masked escapism. It’s human nature to crave something other than what we have. While this is a probability, the past teaches us many things, and our fascination for it is a testament to our connection to those who came before us.

Whether we find ourselves enchanted with the great Roman warriors or the resilience of women throughout the ages, these historical events help shape our modern identities. As we explore the echoes of the past, we also gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world we live in. These themes are still current and connected to our lives today, and we can use the past to learn about the present and capture a glimpse of the future. So, the next time you find yourself romanticizing the past or overhear someone talking about the Roman Empire, take a moment to reflect on why it holds such significance in our lives today. 

Strike out, 

Julia Melo

Boca Raton

Julia Melo is a content writer for Strike Magazine Boca. Born in Brazil and on the same day as Queen B(eyoncé), this Virgo loves anything art, fashion, and nature related. In her free time, you can find her either lost in a good book or hanging out with friends. You can reach her on insta @juliaamelo__ or email juliaamelo99@gmail.com