Emperors' Technology Allure: Understanding the Fascination of Tech Enthusiasts with the Roman Empire
Tech tycoons like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Palmer Luckey, Jack Dorsey, and Marc Andreessen may not have a direct, widespread fascination with the Roman Empire, but there are some intriguing connections and influences that could be worth exploring.
In 2023, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, X, and SpaceX, was playfully bantering with conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair on social media, discussing a popular meme about the Roman Empire. Fast forward eighteen months later, Ashley St. Clair announced the birth of Elon Musk's thirteenth known child, whom they named Romulus – a meaningful addition to a lively family nicknamed Musk's "legion." His Meta-founding counterpart, Mark Zuckerberg, chose Roman-inspired names for his daughters: Maxima, August, and Aurelia.
In the same year, the duo even toyed with the idea of an MMA bout, suggesting holding it in Rome's grand Colosseum. The enthrallment with all things Roman extends beyond these two pillars of the tech world.
Palmer Luckey, the virtual reality pioneer turned military drone entrepreneur at Anduril, harbors dreams of crafting an authentic Roman simulation, exhibiting his impressive present-day technological prowess. Meanwhile, Jack Dorsey, the creator of the mega-successful Twitter (now X), frequently draws comparisons between the internet revolution and the Roman Empire's architectural marvels, such as aqueducts.
Investor Marc Andreessen compares California's burgeoning creativity and cultural explosion to "Rome in 250 AD," a tumultuous time marred by unsafe roads and unidentified chaos – an intriguing analogy that offers insight into the complexities of progressive societies.
While it's difficult to pinpoint a specific Roman Empire obsession among these innovative thinkers, their shared interest in technological achievement and leadership may draw parallels with historical empires, due to their transformative impact on society. Additionally, the Roman Empire's enduring legacy in governance, infrastructure, and technological prowess opens up conversations about the modern tech empires' potential influences and long-lasting impacts.
- Palmer Luckey's aspiration to create an authentic Roman simulation demonstrates a fusion of modern technology and ancient entertainment, bridging the gap between historical civilizations and current technological advancements.
- Jack Dorsey, by frequently comparing the internet revolution to the Roman Empire's architectural marvels, hints at a possible appreciation for Rome's blend of technology, governance, and infrastructure, shedding light on the potential connections between ancient and modern empires.
