Why Is Everyone Asking Men About the Roman Empire?

Written by : Amelia Smith

The article explores the viral trend of asking how often people think about the Roman Empire, which gained popularity on platforms like TikTok and Twitter.

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Many responses to the question were not shocking but rather amusing, with some participants wondering if it was a Twitter poll or expressing that they rarely think about the Roman Empire.

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The author conducted a poll among WIRED colleagues to gauge their thoughts on the Roman Empire, regardless of gender, and found varying frequencies of contemplation.

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A theory emerged suggesting that people may not think about the Roman Empire itself but rather the media and entertainment related to it, such as movies, video games, and documentaries.

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The article mentions how historical periods like the Cold War, Pompeii, or the 1920s were considered more interesting by some respondents.

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Media consumption in 2023 is described as often involving multitasking, with viewers frequently checking information online while watching historical content.

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The piece highlights the contemporary trend of adapting history into intellectual property (IP) for television shows and movies.

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The author shares personal ponderings about Ancient Rome, including thoughts on the persecution of Christians and the empire's conversion to Christianity.

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The connection between history, screenwriting, and modern storytelling is discussed, emphasizing how historical narratives are shaped by screenwriters and studio notes.

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The article concludes with a sense of humor, acknowledging that while the reason behind the viral meme remains unclear, the discussions and questions it sparked were entertaining and thought-provoking.

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Stories

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