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#443 – Gregory Aldrete: The Roman Empire – Rise and Fall of Ancient Rome
Lex Fridman Podcast
Ancient Rome revered the past, Brutus killed Ceasar because of his ancestor
Roman culture placed immense importance on ancestry, where aristocratic families prominently displayed wax death masks of their forebears upon entering their homes. This tangible connection to the past shaped the identities and behaviors of individuals, especially children who were expected to internalize and celebrate their ancestors' achievements and legacies. Funerals served as significant communal events to honor these ancestors, often culminating in poignant rituals, such as descendants donning the facial masks of their predecessors during processions. The weight of lineage instilled a sense of responsibility to uphold family honor, leading to a conservative, tradition-bound society resistant to change. This fixation on the past, although providing strength and guidance, constrained societal progression, exemplified dramatically in the case of Brutus, who felt compelled to assassinate Julius Caesar in adherence to the legacy of his famed ancestor. The stark contrast between Roman familial loyalty and contemporary attitudes towards lineage highlights a deep-rooted, compelling influence of the past in shaping actions and decisions, making it almost unimaginable for modern society to comprehend such extreme commitments to ancestral legacies.
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