Why the Roman Empire Trend Fascinates TikTok Users

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, only to be stumped by a phrase that everyone seems to understand but you? If you’ve recently seen countless videos and posts mentioning “My Roman Empire,” you’re not alone. This viral phenomenon has taken over TikTok, leaving many to wonder why an ancient civilization has suddenly become the internet’s favorite obsession.

So, what exactly is the Roman Empire trend on TikTok, and what does it mean when someone declares that The Office or a specific Taylor Swift album is their personal Roman Empire? Let's break down this cultural moment, from its surprising origins to its evolution into a universal piece of internet slang.

Understanding the "My Roman Empire" Trend

At its core, the phrase “My Roman Empire” refers to something you think about constantly and obsessively. It’s that one topic, event, or piece of media that lives “rent-free” in your mind. While the trend began with the literal Roman Empire, its meaning has expanded to encompass any subject—no matter how serious or silly—that a person finds themselves frequently pondering.

This could be anything from a pivotal moment in history to a cringey memory from middle school. Your Roman Empire is your go-to internal monologue, the subject you could talk about for hours, or the niche interest that defines a part of your personality. It’s a way of saying, “This is what captivates my mind when it wanders.”

For example, a person might say:

• “The unresolved plotlines in Game of Thrones are my Roman Empire.”

• “My Roman Empire is the time I accidentally called my teacher ‘mom’ in the 10th grade.”

• “Honestly, the fact that Taco Bell keeps removing the Mexican Pizza from its menu is my Roman Empire.”

The beauty of the trend is its versatility. It can be used for comedic effect, to share a deep personal passion, or even to highlight important social and political issues that are consistently on one’s mind.

Definition Breakdown

In simple terms, calling something your "Roman Empire" is a modern, social media-friendly way of saying it's your personal obsession. It’s a concept that has evolved from a specific question into a universal template for sharing our unique interests and persistent thoughts.

The Surprising Origins of the TikTok Trend

The Roman Empire trend didn't just appear out of thin air. It began in 2023 when Swedish influencer Saskia Cort posted a video encouraging her female followers to ask the men in their lives a simple question: “How often do you think about the Roman Empire?” The results were both bizarre and fascinating.

As women began recording their partners, brothers, and friends, a pattern emerged. A surprising number of men admitted to thinking about the Roman Empire on a regular basis—some daily, others weekly. Their answers, often delivered with complete sincerity, baffled their questioners and the millions of viewers who watched the videos. Why were so many men independently dedicating so much mental energy to ancient Rome?

The trend quickly went viral, spreading from TikTok to other platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). The sheer volume of men who confirmed this shared, unspoken habit turned the question into a global phenomenon. Even celebrities and professional sports teams joined in, with NHL players and television hosts admitting their own frequent thoughts about gladiators, aqueducts, and Caesar.

As the trend grew, a new question arose: what was the female equivalent? Users on TikTok began brainstorming topics that women might think about as often as men think about Rome. Suggestions included the Salem Witch Trials, the sinking of the Titanic, the Greek Muses, or the lives of Henry VIII’s wives. However, no single topic achieved the same universal consensus. Instead, this conversation led to the trend's brilliant evolution. People stopped trying to find a single female equivalent and started sharing their own personal Roman Empires, turning the phrase into the customizable meme it is today.

Why Do So Many Men Think About the Roman Empire?

The original question that sparked the trend remains a point of fascination. While it's a generalization and certainly not true for all men, the anecdotal evidence is compelling. Historians, sociologists, and content creators have offered several theories to explain this phenomenon.

1. Influence in Pop Culture and Media

The Roman Empire is an inescapable presence in Western culture. From epic films like Gladiator and Cleopatra to TV series, historical documentaries, and video games like the Total War series, Rome is portrayed as a period of immense power, drama, and action. This constant media exposure keeps it top-of-mind.

2. Legacy in Modern Society

Many aspects of our daily lives are direct descendants of Roman innovation. Thinking about the Roman Empire can be as simple as walking on a straight road, using a modern calendar, or seeing Roman-inspired architecture in government buildings. The Romans contributed to:

• Engineering: Roads, aqueducts, and the use of concrete.

• Law and Governance: Concepts like republics, senates, and legal codes.

• Language: The basis for all Romance languages (French, Spanish, Italian, etc.).

• Infrastructure: Modern sewage and sanitation systems.

Since their influence is all around us, it’s easy for the mind to connect these modern conveniences back to their ancient origins.

3. Themes of Power and Masculinity

For some, the appeal lies in what the Roman Empire represents: strength, discipline, conquest, and order. The image of the Roman legionary—a highly trained, organized soldier—is a powerful symbol of traditional masculinity. This isn't to say that everyone who thinks about the Roman Empire is subscribing to "toxic masculinity," but rather that its themes of warfare, strategy, and empire-building resonate with conventionally masculine interests.

A Nuanced Perspective

It's important to remember that this is a lighthearted trend, not a scientific study. While many men do think about the Roman Empire, many do not. The trend's humor comes from the surprise of discovering a shared, unspoken interest, rather than making a definitive statement about gender differences.

How to Use "My Roman Empire" in Conversation and Online

Now that the phrase has evolved, anyone can participate in the trend. It’s a fun way to connect with others over shared interests or simply offer a humorous glimpse into your own mind. Here are a few ways you can use it.

Referencing Pop Culture Moments

This is one of the most popular ways to use the phrase. Think about a movie scene, a song lyric, or a TV show relationship that you can’t stop replaying in your head.

Sharing Personal or Memorable Events

Your Roman Empire doesn’t have to be famous; it can be deeply personal. It might be a funny story, a formative memory, or a past relationship that taught you a valuable lesson.

• “The co-dependent friendship I had in the 8th grade is my Roman Empire.”

• “My Roman Empire is the time I won the spelling bee on the word ‘mnemonic’.”

• “Thinking about my first-ever concert is my Roman Empire.”

Discussing Niche Interests and Facts

Do you have a random historical event or a bizarre scientific fact that you love to bring up in conversation? That’s your Roman Empire.

• “My Roman Empire is the fact that Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn.”

• “The Great Emu War in Australia is my Roman Empire.”

• “My Roman Empire is the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and its impact on labor laws.”

The Modern Roman Empire: Obsessing Over Systems and Efficiency

Just as ancient Romans were masters of infrastructure, engineering, and long-term planning, many people today find their "Roman Empire" in modern systems of efficiency and sustainability. In a world of rising energy costs and environmental concerns, optimizing one’s home has become a compelling, all-consuming project for many—a true modern-day obsession.

Think about it: the desire to create a self-sufficient, technologically advanced home is a complex challenge that requires planning, strategy, and a deep understanding of interconnected systems. For some, their Roman Empire isn't ancient history; it's the intricate dance of energy production and consumption within their own four walls. This involves meticulously planning how to leverage technology to reduce waste and maximize resources.

This modern obsession might include:

• Solar Power Generation: Strategically installing panneaux solaires (solar panels) to capture every possible kilowatt-hour of sunlight, much like Roman engineers built aqueducts to capture every drop of water.

• Smart Heating and Cooling: Integrating a pompe à chaleur (heat pump) into a smart home ecosystem, allowing for automated temperature control that optimizes comfort while minimizing energy use.

• Electric Vehicle Charging: Setting up a borne de recharge (EV charging station) to refuel a vehicle with self-generated solar power, effectively creating a personal, sustainable energy loop.

For these individuals, the constant thought process revolves around efficiency data, energy credits, and the satisfaction of building a resilient, forward-thinking system. It’s a testament to how the spirit of Roman engineering—building lasting, impactful structures—is alive and well, just focused on a new kind of empire: the sustainable home.

More Than Just a Hobby

For many, creating an energy-efficient home is a profound commitment. At Les Nouveaux Installateurs, we see this passion daily. Our clients are deeply invested in their projects, from the initial energy study to the remote monitoring of their systems. This dedication to building a smarter, more sustainable future is their modern Roman Empire, and we provide the turnkey support to help them build it.

From a simple question on TikTok to a widespread cultural catchphrase, the "My Roman Empire" trend is a perfect example of how internet culture can create new ways for us to communicate and connect. It’s a reminder that we all have our unique passions and persistent thoughts, whether they involve ancient civilizations or the future of sustainable energy. So, the next time you're looking for an icebreaker, you have the perfect question to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when someone says something is their Roman Empire?

It means that the topic is something they think about constantly or are obsessed with. The phrase has evolved from its literal meaning to become a slang term for any deep and recurring interest, whether it's a historical event, a piece of pop culture, a personal memory, or a niche hobby.

Did the Roman Empire trend start on TikTok?

Yes, the trend originated on TikTok in 2023 after a user encouraged women to ask men in their lives how often they think about the Roman Empire. The surprising and humorous consistency of their answers—often "daily" or "weekly"—caused the videos to go viral and sparked a global conversation.

Is the Roman Empire trend only for men?

Not anymore. While the trend began by highlighting a specific interest seemingly common among men, it has since become a universal format. People of all genders now use the phrase "my Roman Empire" to share their own unique obsessions and passions, making it an inclusive and versatile meme.

Can my Roman Empire be a negative thing?

Absolutely. While many people use the trend to talk about things they love, it can also refer to a negative event, a past mistake, or a cringey memory that they can't stop thinking about. For example, someone might say, "My Roman Empire is my terrible first job" or "that breakup from five years ago is my Roman Empire."