There’s a trend on TikTok right now in which female users ask the males in their life how often they think about the Roman Empire. The number is higher than you might expect, with some guys answering that their mind wanders to the ancient empire multiple times a day. Although I’m not one to post my own take on the trend on TikTok, I was curious if this phenomenon would hold true for the males in my own life.
It’s a simple question: how often do you think of the Roman Empire? I asked my dad for his input a few nights ago and his answer surprised me. He thinks about the Roman Empire three times a week on average. I just didn’t perceive him as being someone who thinks about history, and a specific part of history at that, on a regular basis.
Bolstered by this confirmation, I asked some people my own age. Once again, I was surprised that guys in high school think about the Roman Empire quite often. I assumed that their minds would be occupied by other things – homework, sports, college applications, friends – but surely not the Roman Empire.
I can see why the Roman Empire is interesting for guys to think about. Ancient Rome was a man’s world, with men holding power at home and in public. I assume that the gladiator fights and military prowess of the empire also add to their fascination. But all of this talk about this interest in the male-dominated ancient world got me thinking – what is the female version of this phenomenon?
The first thing that comes to mind for me personally is Taylor Swift. She is an iconic, powerful symbol of feminism who has become a historic musician during her 18-year career. From her humble country music beginnings, to the feud with Kanye West that began when he interrupted her award acceptance speech at the 2009 VMAs, and now through the culmination of her career thus far through her Eras Tour, Taylor Swift has been scrutinized for every move she makes. People say she dates too much, is too opinionated, or does things for attention. I think almost all women can relate to being perceived as one or more of these things by other people, but Taylor Swift handles the allegations with grace. 
The success of her current Eras Tour has also drawn worldwide attention, with millions of people vying for tickets. Her musical prowess, strong morals, and relatability certainly makes her an obvious choice for the female version of the Roman Empire phenomenon.
Another topic that could mimic the phenomenon in women is being kidnapped. All children are warned from a young age not to take candy from strangers, but it is drilled into women that they constantly need to be aware of their surroundings in order to stay safe from being kidnapped or caught in a trafficking scheme. I feel like every time the TV is on in my house there is another story about a woman being kidnapped, raped, and/or killed. It’s scary to think about. Sometimes, when I’m getting into my car alone in a deserted area, I jump into the car because I’m afraid that someone hiding under the car is going to slash my Achilles and kidnap me. Although this isn’t a positive thought source like Taylor Swift, it definitely comes to mind often. It’s striking to me how the topic that men focus on is so masculine, while many of the women’s alternatives are strictly female-dominated areas.
The final topic that I often think about unprompted is the British monarchy, specifically three women who are or were a part of it: Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, and Princess Kate. The existence and purpose of the monarchy is a controversial topic, but I think all girls have wished to be a princess at some point in their lives. 
This goes beyond the designer outfits and lavish lifestyles. The elegance of the female members of the British monarchy, as well as the rules they have to follow in order to act with poise, is a source of fascination for the idle minds of many women. The media has certainly contributed to this interest, as these female monarchs were and are often painted in a very positive light.
The Roman Empire phenomenon, as it has become known on Tiktok, represents more than a niche interest that many men share. It symbolizes the admiration of patriarchal societies and masculinity that literally dominated the world. While the women’s alternatives are areas that center around femininity, the focus is less about power and strength, and more about a kind of sisterhood that unites girls everywhere.
I really enjoyed your insight here. You make thought-provoking commentary on the topics of masculinity and patriarchal history. Interesting point of view and it is definitely something to think about.
This post was so iconic Alyssa! I have seen this trend on TikTok too, and now it’s even morphing into different groups, like “What’s a gay man’s version of the Roman Empire?” or “What’s a bookworm’s version of the Roman Empire?” etc. I think the whole thing is fascinating, since I really never put any thought into how often a certain group of people thinks collectively of a certain topic an abnormal amount. Ironically, I find the Roman Empire to be the most ridiculous of these collective obsessions, since as you pointed out, much of the Roman Empire was predicated on misogyny. In other words, for men to be idolizing a misogynistic group is deeply concerning. That being said, I do think that the variance in subjects is truly a testament to the diversity of humanity, which I find comforting. Overall, I loved this piece and I’m super excited to see more social media commentary!
I thought the parallel you made between the idolization of the Roman Empire by guys and Taylor Swift by girls (typically) was really interesting. I also liked your point about men fantasizing about world domination while women desire connection and sisterhood. It’s funny even though the principle is extremely disappointing. This is also true with your example of jumping in the car so you don’t get kidnapped. I do this every singe time I leave work by myself and look incredibly stupid, but it’s terrifying to be alone when the parking lot is pitch black. I also think it’s really cool that the British monarchy, (specifically Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, and Princess Kate) is something you think about naturally. When I was little I wanted to be a princess that played in the NFL, but I never thought about a real princess. I do look up to Princess Diana, though.
Hi Alyssa, I also found the male obsession with the Roman Empire to be really surprising and a bit confusing. I can’t say that I’ve ever thought about it outside of schoolwork or reading the Rick Riordan books in elementary school. I think your explanation makes a lot of sense though! Have you seen the Barbie movie? This trend reminds me a lot of Ken going to the real world and being obsessed with seeing all the men in powerful positions.
I definitely agree that Taylor Swift could be the female version of the Roman Empire. Even though I wouldn’t consider myself a Swiftie, due to her immense popularity, especially with young women, I actually think about her pretty often. Even as someone who lives under a pop culture rock, I know about all her new relationships and what the opener for the Eras Tour looks like.
I really liked your overall insight — maybe I won’t be as confused the next time I see a Roman Empire TikTok.
Alyssa, this post is so accurate it’s scary. Not only have I encountered a lot of guys that consistently think about the Roman Empire, but I also think about Taylor Swift constantly. I don’t think there’s been a single day in the past year that I haven’t thought about her, although that’s partly due to her showing up all over my social media. I think the contrast between the Roman Empire and Taylor Swift is very interesting as well. As you put, the Roman Empire was completely patriarchal and Taylor Swift is the exact opposite. She’s not only one person, but she’s accomplished so much and is a huge influential force on everything. Just take Travis Kelce and the NFL. The thinking of getting kidnapped is also so accurate. Every time I’m by myself or in a dark area I have this fear of being kidnapped in the back of my head.