The “Roman Empire” refers to a viral TikTok trend from 2023, where people asked their male partners how often they thought about the Roman Empire. Surprisingly, many men responded that they think about it quite frequently. This unexpected answer led to widespread curiosity and amusement, evolving into a catchphrase for anything someone thinks about regularly.
Origins of the Trend:
The trend began in 2023, when Swedish influencer Saskia Cort encouraged her followers to ask their male partners how often they ponder the Roman Empire. American audiences quickly embraced the idea after Instagram user @gaiusflavius posted a viral Reel, prompting his followers to ask the same question. The trend rapidly gained traction across social platforms, especially on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), where it became a cultural phenomenon.
“My Roman Empire” Explained:
As the trend spread, people began using the phrase “this is my Roman Empire” to describe their own personal obsessions or recurring thoughts. It became a way for users to highlight specific, often niche, interests or events that have a lasting influence on them. For example, someone might refer to a Timothée Chalamet SNL skit as their “Roman Empire,” or a particular storyline from Sex and the City. In essence, the phrase now signifies anything that occupies a significant mental space in one’s life, whether it be a pop culture moment, hobby, or personal fixation.