Off Script
Tom Holland: On Woke history
Jul 28, 2023
Tom Holland, popular historian and co-host of The Rest Is History podcast, discusses his new book on Rome, the influence of Rome's Golden Era on modern civilization, the comparison between ancient Roman emperors and western leaders today, the tension between conservatism and Christianity, the process of making a documentary about Islam, negotiation of Islam's role in Western culture, the influence of Greece on America, and the re-examination of history in film.
47:21
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Quick takeaways
- The concept of the Golden Era of western Christendom is discussed, highlighting the limited influence of Rome on contemporary Western civilization compared to China's continuous cultural identity.
- The term Pax Romana is explored, emphasizing the active and aggressive nature of Roman peace maintained through military force, cautioning against romanticizing the period.
Deep dives
The Roman Empire: A Golden Age or Decline?
The renowned historian Tom Holland discusses the concept of the Golden Era of western Christendom, stating that the term 'Christendom' has not been applicable for several centuries. He suggests that while it might be too early to determine if we are in the Golden Age of the West, our current civilization is vastly different from that of the Roman Empire. Holland argues that Rome's influence on contemporary Western civilization is limited compared to the continuous cultural identity seen in China. He also explores the establishment and maintenance of the Roman Empire, the factors contributing to its stability, and the complex nature of Roman politics and society.
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