Current Affairs MAGA Doesn't Understand Anything About The Roman Empire (w/ Honor Cargill-Martin)
Jul 14, 2025
Honor Cargill-Martin, a historian at Oxford specializing in ancient political scandals, dives into the myths surrounding the Roman Empire and their impact on modern politics. She critiques the romanticization of Rome by contemporary groups, emphasizing the need for historical context. Honor discusses the cyclical nature of governance, the intersection of politics and vice in Roman thought, and the misrepresentation of figures like Messalina. Her insights highlight how ancient narratives continue to influence our understanding and expectations of modern democracy.
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Rome's Evolutionary Phases
- Rome is not a monolithic entity but evolved through radically different phases like Republic and Empire.
- Simplistic references to Rome often ignore these significant historical transformations and complexities.
Myth of Roman Moral Superiority
- The myth of Roman moral superiority was propagated by Romans to justify their empire.
- The reality included powerful women and enslaved people influencing politics, beyond the typical male-centered image.
Limits of Roman Comparisons
- Comparing modern society directly to ancient Rome is flawed due to vastly different conditions.
- Rome can be a tool to think with, but not an oracle predicting current political futures.
