TV
Roman Empire Expert Mike Duncan | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #589
@ Theo Von
06/14/25
Takeaways
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
I think about the Roman Empire every day for like 25 years. I'm writing a book about the Roman Empire as we speak.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Romans are always going to have a hold on our collective consciousness because we're living in a post-Roman society.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Most cultures and nations in the West have roots in Roman history or at least a phase in their own history that is the Roman period.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The ancient world was largely rural and agrarian, with most people engaged in subsistence farming.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Rome was the first city in history to go over a million people at its height, making it a major urban center.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The rise of major urban centers in Rome led to a society where people often bounced around from patron to patron to make a living.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Romans were very into ritual and sacrifice, taking their religious practices seriously as part of their identity.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The first king of Rome, Romulus, was a warrior, reflecting the martial nature of Roman society, which was very masculine and patriarchal.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The political institutions of Rome mirrored their military institutions, with leaders serving as both political and military heads.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The second king of Rome, Numa, emphasized the importance of religion to guide society ethically and morally.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Roman religion was polytheistic, borrowing many gods from Greek mythology, with different cities having their own patron deities. The Romans had an open-minded approach to religion, often integrating new beliefs from conquered societies into their own practices, seeing them as analogous to their existing gods.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Political leaders in ancient Rome were also military leaders, expected to lead their armies into battle and demonstrate their commitment to the society they governed.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
In ancient Rome, a politician aspiring to be consul was expected to lead a legion into battle, achieve victory, and return to Rome to celebrate a triumph, showcasing the spoils of war.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The concept of 'triumph hunting' existed in Rome, where a consul would sometimes create a conflict with a minor tribe to secure a triumph for himself, even if there was no real war to fight.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
In early Roman society, only property owners could serve in the legions, reflecting the belief that those who fought for Rome should have a vested interest in its defense.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Women in ancient Rome had limited rights, primarily expected to bear children to support the military society, although some legal provisions allowed them to own property and manage their affairs.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Infant mortality rates in ancient Rome were high, with estimates suggesting that 25 to 30% of children died in their first year, making each loss a significant tragedy for families.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The introduction of vaccines in the 18th century significantly improved child mortality rates, addressing the high death rates from childhood diseases that plagued earlier societies.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Romans did not have kings anymore after they expelled the last king in 509 BC, which was a significant shift in their political ideology.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The last king of Rome was overthrown due to the aristocratic class's discontent, particularly after he committed a crime against a senator's daughter, leading to the establishment of the Roman Republic.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Roman Republic was characterized by a system of job rotation and assemblies, allowing citizens to participate in governance for about 500 years after the kings were expelled.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Roman aristocrats, who were major landowners, lived off the rents and produce from their land, relying on peasants and slaves for labor, which allowed them to avoid traditional occupations.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The wealthy Romans had the leisure time to engage in literacy and statecraft, believing this made them the best suited to lead the Republic, despite their reluctance to educate the lower classes.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Roman aristocrats lived in luxury, often having country villas and city homes, and they were known for their extravagant lifestyles, including hosting lavish parties and engaging in various forms of entertainment.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Romans had a sophisticated system of aqueducts and public latrines, but waste management often involved chamber pots that were emptied out of windows, contributing to unsanitary conditions.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Romans used urine as a natural detergent for cleaning clothes, mixing it with water and other substances to create an effective cleaning solution.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Information in ancient Rome was disseminated through traders and an extensive network of roads, allowing for communication among the upper classes and government officials.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Octavian used coins as a propaganda tool to discredit his political opponent, Mark Anthony, by printing slogans that portrayed him as no longer a true Roman.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Roman populace often did not encounter the government directly; their lives were primarily influenced by local elites who managed tax collection and community affairs.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The negative reputation of emperors like Nero and Caligula often stemmed from their actions against the senatorial class, while the general populace might have viewed them more favorably.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Nero was criticized for his focus on music and performance, which was seen as unbecoming for an emperor, reflecting the societal disdain for actors and musicians in Roman culture. The Roman Empire had a complex relationship with performance and drama, often viewing actors and performers as second-rate citizens despite their popularity.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Nero, the Roman Emperor, was often criticized for his theatrical pursuits, which many believed were inappropriate for a ruler.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Nero attempted to organize fire relief efforts in Rome during actual fires, countering the narrative that he was indifferent while the city burned.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Rome frequently experienced devastating fires due to its wooden structures and lack of fire codes, leading to significant portions of the city burning periodically.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
In ancient Rome, wealthy citizens often lived on the ground floor of buildings to escape fires, contrary to modern expectations where the wealthy occupy penthouses.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Firefighting in ancient Rome was often managed by private companies that would demand payment to extinguish fires, resembling a mafia-like system.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Crassus, a wealthy Roman, used his fire brigade to extort money from property owners by threatening to let their homes burn unless they paid him.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The phrase 'great fortunes begin with a crime' reflects the reality of how many wealthy individuals, like Crassus, acquired their wealth through unethical means.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Crassus, known for his immense wealth, met his end in a failed military campaign against Parthia, leading to the legend of molten gold being poured down his throat.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Roman concrete, made from volcanic ash, lime, and aggregate, was a superior building material that allowed for the construction of enduring structures like the Pantheon and Colosseum.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Romans were exceptional engineers, known for their monumental buildings and road construction, which they took great pride in maintaining.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
In ancient Rome, sponsoring public works like roads or games was a way for politicians to gain recognition and demonstrate their wealth and commitment to society.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The construction of the Colosseum was driven by Rome's wealth and power, serving as a venue for public spectacles tied to religious rituals.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Gladiatorial games and chariot races in Rome were initially religious rituals, honoring various gods, before evolving into popular entertainment.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The transition from religious obligation to mere entertainment in Roman games reflects a shift in societal values over time, as sports were a major part of life, with gladiatorial combat and chariot races being extremely popular, making gladiators and chariot racers celebrities.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Byzantine Empire had politically charged factions tied to chariot teams, leading to significant riots, showing how seriously the Romans took their sports.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Romans enjoyed feats of athletic strength, which they found impressive and entertaining, reflecting the pinnacle of human physical capability.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Sports serve as more than just entertainment; they can foster community and civic life, allowing people to connect and share experiences with friends and neighbors.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
While gladiatorial games did involve animal fights, they were often exaggerated in movies; typically, exotic animals were showcased to demonstrate wealth and power.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Roman historians often prioritized morality tales over strict factual accuracy, shaping narratives to reflect societal values rather than objective truth.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Roman Republic lasted for 500 years, enduring significant upheaval, but eventually transformed into an authoritarian military dictatorship after internal conflicts.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Economic inequality in the late Roman Republic led to social stress, as small landholders were pushed out by wealthy elites, affecting military recruitment and societal stability.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, established a system where soldiers were paid by the central state rather than local commanders, which helped maintain loyalty to the state.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The loss of a unifying enemy like Carthage contributed to the breakdown of political cohesion in Rome, allowing for civil wars and the rise of personalist armies.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The decline of the Roman Republic was marked by internal political rivalries that escalated after the Punic Wars, leading to a breakdown of elite consensus and increased civil strife.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Cold War served as a unifying force for the United States, maintaining elite consensus; its end has led to political fraying and actions outside previously accepted norms. After the Cold War, there has been a struggle to find a new unifying enemy for the United States, but nothing has matched the significance of that era.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The political environment in the U.S. is currently toxic, with the ruling class willing to turn on each other due to a lack of external threats.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
People feel their voices and votes don't matter, leading to a sense of hopelessness and misinformation about the political process.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few has created a feeling of purposelessness among the populace, which can lead to dangerous ideologies.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
When people lose their sense of purpose, they may gravitate towards darker paths in search of meaning, often as a form of self-preservation.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Civil wars are devastating and often result in the destruction of one's own infrastructure, even if fought for a good reason.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The English Civil Wars were described as a war without an enemy, highlighting the internal conflicts that can arise in a society.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Avoiding civil war is crucial, but sacrificing core values to prevent it raises the question of whether the cost is worth it.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The fall of the Roman Empire can be attributed to a combination of civil wars, migrations, and the inability to maintain military strength beyond its borders.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
By the 3rd century, the Romans were fighting wars on their own territory, leading to a long-term degradation of their military and political power.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Germanic tribes, once smaller and disunited, grew stronger and more organized, eventually challenging Roman power directly.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Alaric, the leader of the Goths, was a former ally of Rome who turned against it due to unfulfilled promises from the emperors.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The sack of Rome by Alaric was a calculated political move rather than a mindless act of destruction, driven by broken promises from Roman leaders.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The collapse of Roman civilization involved poor leadership and decisions, alongside material reasons for its decline.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The resistance to fully integrate the Goths into Roman society contributed significantly to the decline of the Roman Empire.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Roman Empire's strength lay in its ability to incorporate diverse peoples, which was lost as it resisted integrating the Goths.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The future history of a revolution on Mars is being written, drawing parallels to past revolutions and societal structures.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
Good science fiction often reflects present societal issues rather than just projecting into the future.
MD
Mike Duncan
06/14/25
@ Theo Von
The Martian Revolution, while fictional, serves as a commentary on current societal trajectories and challenges.