Podcast Summary: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Episode #589 - Roman Empire Expert Mike Duncan
Release Date: June 14, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #589 of "This Past Weekend with Theo Von," host Theo Von welcomes the esteemed historian, author, and podcaster Mike Duncan. Duncan is renowned for his widely acclaimed "History of Rome" podcast, which spans over 175 episodes and meticulously chronicles the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. The episode delves deep into various facets of Roman history, drawing insightful parallels to contemporary society.

The Enduring Fascination with the Roman Empire

[03:36]
Theo: "There was a lot of social media buzz about women asking men how often they think about the Roman Empire."

[04:10]
Mike Duncan emphasizes his personal obsession with Roman history, stating, "I've thought about the Roman Empire every day for, like, 25 years."

Discussion Highlights:

• The meme questioning men's thoughts on the Roman Empire sparked discussions on its deep-rooted influence.
• Duncan posits that Rome's extensive impact on Western civilization ensures its persistent presence in collective consciousness.
• Language Legacy: Duncan explains, "French, Spanish, Italian—these are all post-Roman languages," highlighting the linguistic legacy of Rome.

Myth vs. History: The Founding of Rome

[07:53]
Mike Duncan narrates the legendary tale of Romulus and Remus, detailing how the myth serves as more of a moral story than a factual account.

[09:34]
Theo: "How did the myth actually begin?"

Duncan's Insights:

• Archaeological evidence on Palatine Hill suggests strategic settlement choices based on geography rather than myth.
• The fable symbolizes societal values, blending mythological origins with the practical aspects of early Roman settlement.
• Duncan underscores the role of myths in shaping ethical and moral frameworks within societies.

Societal Structures and Daily Life in Ancient Rome

Social Hierarchy and Roles:

• Patriarchy: Duncan states, "It's a strongly patriarchal society... the head of the household is invariably a man."
• Women’s Roles: Limited rights with legal spaces for widows to own property, but overall societal constraints kept women in subordinate positions.
• Slavery: Duncan discusses harsh realities, including the tragic practice of exposing disabled infants, reflecting the grim aspects of Roman society.

Daily Life:

• Clothing: Togas were reserved for the elite, akin to modern tuxedos, while commoners wore simpler tunics.
• Diet: Peasants consumed barley, millet, and seafood, with delicacies like dormice and garum (fish sauce) being popular among different classes.
• Entertainment: The Coliseum hosted gladiatorial games and chariot races, serving both as religious rituals and popular spectacles.

[36:37]
Theo inquires about common garb and daily routines, prompting Duncan to elaborate on the distinctions between the elite and the masses.

Military and Political Dynamics

Legions and Political Power:

• Military Service: Duncan highlights the connection between military service and political power, noting, "Leadership required active military involvement."
• Property Qualifications: Initially, only landowners could serve, ensuring that the military supported the societal elite.
• Civil Wars: Persistent internal conflicts weakened the Republic, leading to the rise of personalist armies loyal to individual leaders rather than the state.

Transition from Republic to Empire:

• Consuls: Duncan explains the dual role of consuls as both political leaders and military commanders.
• Triumvirates: Political alliances like the First Triumvirate (Caesar, Pompey, Crassus) exemplified the Republic's decline into authoritarianism.
• Augustus and Centralization: Post-republic, Augustus centralized military pay, reducing personalist loyalties and stabilizing the empire.

Notable Quotes:

• Duncan [29:50]: "The richest people in society went off to war. The poorest people stayed behind."
• Theo [30:37]: "Chicken hawks."

The Decline and Transformation of the Roman Empire

Economic and Social Strain:

• Runaway Economic Inequality: Duncan attributes societal stress to the concentration of wealth among the elite, displacing small landowners and exacerbating economic disparities.
• Military Overextension: As Rome fought wars on its own territory, it couldn't reap the benefits of conquest, weakening its military and economic strength.

Interactions with Germanic Tribes:

• Divide and Conquer: Rome's strategy to ally with and manipulate Germanic tribes initially maintained control but eventually backfired as these tribes amassed power.
• Alaric the Goth: Duncan discusses Alaric's calculated sack of Rome, portraying it as a strategic political move rather than random barbarism.

Transformation vs. Fall:

• Eastern Empire: The Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire continued for a millennium post the Western Empire's collapse.
• Cultural Integration: Duncan posits that Rome's strength lay in its ability to integrate conquered peoples, a practice that faltered in the later Empire.

Notable Quotes:

• Duncan [84:55]: "Runaway economic inequality... puts stress on the society."
• Theo [103:02]: "They could take the 82nd Airborne."

Parallels Between Ancient Rome and Modern Society

Governance and Power Dynamics:

• Duncan draws parallels between Rome's decline and contemporary political issues, emphasizing the fragility of political institutions when external threats wane.
• Centralization of Power: The shift from a republic to an empire mirrors concerns about the concentration of power in modern governments.

Economic Disparities:

• Similar to Rome's economic inequality, Duncan points out growing disparities in modern societies as a potential catalyst for social unrest and political instability.

Media and Propaganda:

• Roman Coins as Propaganda: Theo mentions Octavian’s use of coins to discredit Mark Antony.
• Modern Parallels: Duncan warns about the saturation of misinformation, drawing analogies to the printing press era's information chaos.

Technological and Social Transformation:

• Duncan contrasts Rome's conservative approach to technological innovation with today's rapid advancements, cautioning against societal stagnation.

Mike Duncan’s Contributions and Future Projects

Books and Shows:

• "Storm Before the Storm": Explores the decline of the Roman Republic, focusing on internal factors like economic inequality and civil wars.
• "Revolutions" Podcast: Each season delves into different political revolutions, identifying structural similarities across historical epochs.
• Future Works: Duncan is writing a speculative future history of a Martian revolution, blending historical patterns with science fiction.

Notable Quotes:

• Theo [154:00]: "Revolution."
• Duncan [155:06]: "It's a lot of structural beats of the story of a revolution."

Conclusion

Theo Von's conversation with Mike Duncan provides an engaging exploration of the Roman Empire's complexities and its enduring influence on modern society. Duncan's deep knowledge offers listeners a nuanced understanding of how historical patterns can inform current societal structures and potential future trajectories. The dialogue underscores the importance of studying history to avoid repeating past mistakes and to appreciate the intricate tapestry of human civilization.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [04:10]
  Mike Duncan: "I've thought about the Roman Empire every day for, like, 25 years."

• [29:50]
  Mike Duncan: "The richest people in society went off to war. The poorest people stayed behind."

• [36:37]
  Theo Von: "What was the religion at that time like? Did things start to change from mythology into actual religion during Rome?"

• [44:00]
  Theo Von: "Have you ever been to a water park and when you finally get to the top of the baddest water slide, you look down and have that final thought?..."

• [73:08]
  Theo Von: "In the Roman Empire, Octavian used coins as a tool for spreading fake news..."

• [112:24]
  Mike Duncan: "Fidelity to the facts, fidelity to the sources."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the rich and engaging conversation between Theo Von and Mike Duncan, providing valuable insights into Roman history and its relevance to today's societal dynamics.