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.
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Decline of Christendom
- The concept of "The West" arose as a replacement for "Christendom",
- which became obsolete after the 17th century.
Rome's Alien Empire
- Modern Europe, defined by fractures, differs from China, where continuity with its ancient empire exists.
- Rome's vast, unified empire feels alien to modern Europeans.
Pax Romana's Aggressive Peace
- The Pax Romana was the most stable period in Roman history, maintained through military force.
- Rome's "peace" was actively enforced, demonstrated by brutal consequences for dissenters.