Imagine scrolling through TikTok late at night, chuckling at videos of women asking their boyfriends, “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” To their shock, the answers come fast and serious: “Every day,” “Three times a week,” or even “I thought about it this morning!” You laugh, but then you wonder—why is everyone suddenly obsessed with an ancient civilization? Welcome to the Roman Empire trend, a viral social media phenomenon that’s taken platforms like TikTok and Instagram by storm. In this post, we’ll dive into what is the Roman Empire trend, how it started, why it’s so relatable, and what it means for trending social media trends and viral marketing.
The Roman Empire Trend: A Quick Overview
The Roman Empire trend is a social media craze that began in 2023, where women ask the men in their lives—boyfriends, husbands, brothers, or dads—how often they think about the Roman Empire. The responses, often surprisingly frequent, range from “a few times a month” to “multiple times a day.” These videos, filled with humor and disbelief, have racked up billions of views, with the hashtag #RomanEmpire amassing over 3 billion views on TikTok alone.
What makes this trend so captivating? It’s the unexpected revelation that something as niche as the Roman Empire occupies so much mental space for so many people—especially men. But it’s not just about ancient history; the trend has evolved into a broader meme, where people share their “Roman Empire”—a personal obsession they can’t stop thinking about, whether it’s a TV show, a celebrity moment, or a random hobby.
How Did the Roman Empire Trend Start?
The trend’s origins trace back to August 2023, when Swedish influencer Saskia Cort and Instagram user @gaiusflavius, a Roman reenactor, sparked the conversation. Gaius Flavius posted a Reel suggesting that women would be shocked by how often men think about the Roman Empire, urging them to ask their male partners. The idea caught fire, moving from Instagram to TikTok, where creators like Sam Slupski and Kira Kosarin shared viral clips of their partners’ responses, garnering millions of views.
From there, the trend exploded. Videos of women laughing at their partners’ earnest answers—like “I think about their aqueducts all the time” or “They were the second most powerful empire!”—became a staple of trending social media trends. The hashtag #RomanEmpire skyrocketed, and brands, from Red Bull to United Airlines, jumped in with viral marketing campaigns tied to the trend.
Why Is the Roman Empire Trend So Relatable?
Let’s be real: we all have that one thing we can’t stop thinking about. Maybe for you, it’s the plot twist in your favorite Netflix series, or that one Taylor Swift lyric you keep humming. The Roman Empire trend taps into this universal experience of having a “Roman Empire” of your own—an obsession that feels random but deeply personal. Here’s why it resonates:
- Humor and Surprise: The trend thrives on the comedic disconnect between women expecting casual answers and men delivering dead-serious ones. It’s like finding out your quiet coworker is secretly obsessed with medieval sword-making—it’s funny because it’s unexpected.
- Universal Appeal: Anyone can join in. All it takes is asking someone, “What’s your Roman Empire?” or sharing your own. This low barrier to entry makes it one of the most accessible social media trends out there.
- Nostalgia and Pop Culture: The Roman Empire isn’t just history—it’s Gladiator, it’s Spartacus, it’s the epic battles we’ve seen in movies and games. Pop culture has kept Rome alive, making it a relatable reference point.
- Self-Reflection: The trend encourages people to think about their own quirks and passions. When someone says, “This is my Roman Empire,” they’re sharing a piece of themselves, fostering a sense of community online.
The Evolution of “My Roman Empire”
As the trend grew, it took on a life of its own. The phrase “my Roman Empire” became shorthand for any recurring thought or obsession. Suddenly, TikTok was flooded with posts like, “The Timothée Chalamet SNL skit is my Roman Empire” or “That one scene from The Notebook is my Roman Empire.” This shift broadened the trend’s appeal, making it less about ancient Rome and more about personal fixations.
This evolution is a masterclass in viral marketing. Brands and creators saw an opportunity to connect with audiences by sharing their own “Roman Empires” or tying products to the trend. For example, United Airlines launched a flash sale on flights to Rome, while Red Bull got 3 million views by asking F1 driver Max Verstappen the Roman Empire question. These moves show how trending social media trends can be leveraged for engagement and relatability.
Why Do Men Think About the Roman Empire So Much?
The trend’s original question—why do men think about the Roman Empire?—has sparked plenty of theories. Some point to pop culture, like the movie Gladiator or Joe Rogan’s podcasts, which often dive into stoicism and ancient history. Others, like historian Mary Beard, suggest Rome offers a “safe space for macho fantasies,” where men can imagine themselves as conquering heroes.
But it’s not just about masculinity. The Roman Empire’s innovations—think aqueducts, roads, and legal systems—fascinate people who love engineering, history, or strategy. Plus, its dramatic rise and fall make it a compelling mental escape. As one TikToker put it, “Men want to conquer, and if they can’t, they imagine it.” Whether you buy that or not, the trend has sparked real curiosity about history, with some users even diving into books or documentaries about Rome.
The Impact on Social Media and Viral Marketing
The Roman Empire trend is more than a funny meme—it’s a case study in how social media trends can shape culture and marketing. Here’s how it’s made waves:
- Brand Engagement: Companies have used the trend to seem more human and relatable. By jumping on trending social media trends early, brands like United Airlines and Red Bull saw huge engagement.
- Community Building: The trend fosters connection by encouraging people to share their quirks. It’s a reminder that social media trends thrive when they invite participation.
- Cultural Staying Power: The phrase “my Roman Empire” has entered the lexicon, likely to be referenced long after the trend fades. It’s even inspired academic interest in how digital trends reflect our fascination with history.
For marketers, the takeaway is clear: stay plugged into the online zeitgeist, but be selective. Joining every trend can feel forced, but tapping into one that aligns with your brand—like a travel company leaning into Rome—can drive authentic engagement.
How to Join the Roman Empire Trend with DeepDive
Want to hop on this trending social media trend? It’s easy:
- Ask the Question: Record yourself asking someone, “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” Post their response with #RomanEmpire.
- Share Your Roman Empire: Post about your own obsession, like “The Stranger Things finale is my Roman Empire.” Use the hashtag to join the conversation.
- Get Creative: Brands can tie the trend to their products (e.g., a bookstore promoting Roman history titles) or create humorous content that resonates with their audience.
- Track the Trend with DeepDive: To make the most of this trend, use DeepDive, an advanced social media monitoring and analytics platform. DeepDive empowers businesses to navigate the complex landscape of social media trends by diving deep into conversations, audience behavior, and sentiment analysis. With DeepDive, you can track the #RomanEmpire hashtag, analyze how your audience engages with the trend, and uncover actionable insights to refine your viral marketing strategy. Whether you’re a brand looking to join the conversation or a marketer aiming to stay ahead of trending social media trends, DeepDive helps you make informed decisions and enhance your online presence.
Just don’t overdo it—authenticity is key in viral marketing.
Final Thoughts
The Roman Empire trend is more than a fleeting TikTok fad. It’s a reminder of how social media trends can spark curiosity, build community, and even make history feel relevant. Whether you’re laughing at your partner’s obsession with Roman aqueducts or sharing your own “Roman Empire,” this trend invites us to connect over the things that fascinate us.
So, what’s your Roman Empire? Drop it in the comments or share it on social media with #RomanEmpire. And if you’re a marketer, keep an eye on trending social media trends like this one—they’re a goldmine for viral marketing and engagement. With tools like DeepDive, you can dive deeper into these trends, uncover audience insights, and craft campaigns that resonate.
Stay curious, stay connected, and maybe think about the Roman Empire once in a while.
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