Sound Familiar? The Romans Chose Autocracy To Gain Safety And Security
Summary
TLDRThe video script delves into the historical transition of Rome from a republic to an empire, exploring the reasons behind this shift and the implications it had on stability and power. It draws parallels between Roman history and modern political dynamics, such as the potential dangers of misinformation campaigns and the rise of autocratic tendencies in governance. The discussion also touches on the role of the Praetorian Guard in Roman politics and speculates on the unseen forces that might influence contemporary political decisions, suggesting a comparison between historical patterns and current events.
Takeaways
- 🏛️ The Roman Republic transitioned to an Empire due to a desire for stability after a period of civil war, with Julius Caesar and later Augustus playing pivotal roles in this shift.
- 👑 Augustus established the Roman Empire by filling a power vacuum and being seen as a stabilizing figure, eventually being given the title of 'emperator', from which 'emperor' is derived.
- 🗝️ The Roman Empire initially prospered, but internal strife and the rise of powerful autocrats eventually led to its downfall, with the third century crisis being a key period of instability.
- 💰 Economic issues, particularly the devaluation of currency, contributed to the weakening of the Roman Empire, as trust in the monetary system eroded and trade became difficult.
- 🗡️ The Praetorian Guard evolved from protectors of the emperor to a significant political force, often deciding the fate of emperors and contributing to the instability of the empire.
- 🌐 The script draws parallels between historical events and modern political dynamics, suggesting that while methods change, the underlying human nature and power struggles remain consistent.
- 🕊️ The debate over the merits of autocratic versus democratic systems is highlighted, with the script suggesting that while autocracy can lead to swift decision-making, it also carries significant risks.
- 📉 The script implies that unchecked power and the suppression of opposition can lead to a loss of legitimacy and trust, which can ultimately destabilize a government or empire.
- 🛑 The comparison of historical tactics of oppression, such as assassination and censorship, to modern methods like online misinformation campaigns and character assassination is made.
- 🌐 The rapid pace of modern communication and technology is noted as a factor that could potentially accelerate the patterns seen in historical empires, with implications for current political systems.
- 🤔 The script encourages the study of history to understand the cyclical nature of power, suggesting that while specifics may vary, the broader patterns of rise and fall are instructive for contemporary society.
Q & A
Why did Rome transition from a republic to an empire?
-Rome transitioned from a republic to an empire due to a period of civil unrest and the desire for stability. After the assassination of Julius Caesar, Octavian (later known as Augustus) established a new form of government that was more autocratic, which the people accepted in exchange for peace and stability.
What is the significance of the term 'emperator'?
-The term 'emperator' is significant as it is the origin of the word 'emperor'. Augustus was given this title after he consolidated power, signifying his supreme authority and leadership over the Roman Empire.
How did Augustus secure his position as the first emperor?
-Augustus secured his position by strategically removing political opposition, filling the power vacuum left by the civil war, and presenting himself as the bringer of peace and stability that the people desired.
What was the Roman Civil War period?
-The Roman Civil War period, from 133 to 31 BC, was a time of great upheaval and instability in Rome, marked by a series of civil conflicts and power struggles that ultimately led to the establishment of the Roman Empire under Augustus.
How did the Roman Empire's prosperity change over time?
-The Roman Empire experienced significant prosperity in its early years under Augustus, but began to decline after 117 AD due to poor financial management, corruption, and the rise of the so-called 'barrack emperors' in the third century.
What was the role of the Praetorian Guard in the Roman Empire?
-The Praetorian Guard was an elite military unit responsible for protecting the emperor. Over time, they gained significant power and influence, often deciding the fate of emperors and contributing to the instability and decline of the empire.
Why did the Roman Empire's currency lose its value?
-The Roman Empire's currency lost its value due to economic mismanagement and the rampant production of debased coins, particularly during the third century when the silver coin was actually made of bronze, leading to a loss of trust in the currency.
How did the Roman Empire's political system compare to modern autocratic governments?
-The Roman Empire's political system, especially under the emperors, shares similarities with modern autocratic governments in terms of centralized decision-making and the potential for rapid economic growth. However, it also illustrates the pitfalls of unchecked power, such as corruption and instability.
What is the 'barrack emperors' phenomenon in the Roman Empire?
-The 'barrack emperors' phenomenon refers to the period in the third century when the Roman Empire was plagued by numerous claimants to the throne, often military leaders who could pay their armies more, leading to a rapid turnover of emperors and further destabilizing the empire.
How does the script relate the Roman Empire's history to modern political dynamics?
-The script draws parallels between the Roman Empire's history and modern political dynamics, such as the concentration of power, the influence of military or financial backing on political outcomes, and the potential dangers of unchecked autocratic power.
What is the significance of the Praetorian Prefect in the context of the script?
-The Praetorian Prefect is significant as the script suggests a modern equivalent might be someone with considerable behind-the-scenes power, drawing a parallel to the influence the Praetorian Prefect had over the Roman emperors.
Outlines
🏛 Transition from Roman Republic to Empire
This paragraph discusses the historical transition of Rome from a republic to an empire, focusing on the reasons and the aftermath. It highlights the Roman Civil War period, Julius Caesar's assassination, and Octavian's rise to power as Augustus. The speaker reflects on the desire for stability during this time, the psychological tactics Augustus used to secure his position, and the comparison of these ancient events to modern political strategies, including the suppression of dissenting voices.
🗡 The Downfall of the Roman Empire and Modern Parallels
The second paragraph delves into the decline of the Roman Empire, examining the consequences of autocratic rule and the eventual power struggles that led to its collapse. It draws parallels between the Roman Empire's problems and current political issues, such as the use of technology for character assassination and misinformation campaigns. The speaker also contrasts the efficiency of autocratic decision-making with the potential pitfalls of unchecked power, using examples from both historical and contemporary contexts.
🕊️ The Impact of Autocracy and the Role of Technology in Power Struggles
This paragraph explores the implications of autocratic governance, suggesting that while it may lead to rapid decision-making and prosperity, it can also result in power struggles and the eventual destabilization of a nation. The speaker discusses the role of the military and technology in maintaining power, drawing a comparison between the tactics used in the Roman Empire and modern political maneuvers. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the potential 'dark forces' influencing current political events and the historical precedent set by the Praetorian Guard in Rome.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Roman Republic
💡Roman Empire
💡Augustus
💡Civil War
💡Praetorian Guard
💡Autocracy
💡Currency Devaluation
💡Military Power
💡Deep State
💡Julius Caesar
Highlights
Rome transitioned from a republic to an Empire due to a desire for stability and peace after a prolonged period of civil war.
Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BC led to a power vacuum filled by Octavius, who would later become Augustus, the first Roman Emperor.
Augustus utilized psychological tactics to convince the public of his indispensability, leading to his acceptance as the first citizen and later Emperor.
The Roman Empire's early prosperity was partly due to the efficient removal of political opposition and the support of the Senate by Augustus.
The Roman Empire's currency devaluation and economic instability in the third century contributed to its decline.
The Roman Empire's shift to autocratic rule provided rapid decision-making and efficiency, contrasting with the perceived bureaucracy of a republic.
The comparison between the Roman Empire's rise and fall with modern political systems, particularly the efficiency of autocratic governance.
The role of the Praetorian Guard in the Roman Empire, evolving from protectors to a power behind the throne with the ability to influence or remove emperors.
Modern parallels to the Roman Empire's political machinations, such as misinformation campaigns and the silencing of opposition.
The potential dangers of technology in modern times, with the ability to 'cancel' individuals online and control public opinion.
The importance of studying history to understand the rhyme of human nature and the patterns of political power throughout time.
The debate over the merits of autocratic versus democratic systems, and the potential for rapid prosperity under autocracy.
The potential for a single powerful autocrat to lead to a period of stability and growth, as seen in the early Roman Empire.
The downfall of the Roman Empire due to internal strife and the rise of multiple power-hungry autocrats in the third century.
The modern equivalents of the Roman Empire's military power, such as technological control and influence over information.
The unseen forces that may influence modern political outcomes, drawing parallels to the power dynamics of the Roman Empire.
Transcripts
why do you think Rome decided to
transition from a republic to an Empire
and and and if the Empire is when things
were at its greatest what what's wrong
with the
Empire um well I guess the the Germans
wouldn't like the Empire very much I
think that's I have to how you have to
consider is how they conduct themselves
abroad and there's good things and
there's bad things about that right like
as because I'm somebody that likes Rome
a lot but if you want to look at why it
got to where it got to the last 100
years so 133 to 31 is what's known as
the Roman Civil War it's upheaval for
like 150 years so Julius Caesar is kind
of the last person to step in and then
he's assassinated in 44 BC and in his
will they read his will and he actually
would adopts this guy named Octavius to
be his son which is something Romans
could do after you died you could
actually adopt somebody and give them
your name and your titles and all those
things like that after death so then
Augustus is actually the guy that estab
Octavian who will become Augustus is
actually the guy establishes the new
thing so people have been through Civil
War for 100 years they're just looking
for peace and that's what Augustus
brings them so after pursuing the
Assassins of Julius Caesar after taking
out um another political enemy that we
we know as Mark Anthony Caesar Augustus
Caesar says I'm gonna retire and I think
he does this because he's a brilliant
psychologist in this because people then
demand no Augustus you can't leave us
you have to stay in power and they give
him the title of first citizen um later
on they're going to give him the title
of emperator which is where Emperor
comes from so he gets that position
because he fills a power vacuum and
people demand he stay and then he
decides what is going to be kind of the
the lineage after me and the thing that
helps him is he lives into his 70s he
takes over power in his early 30s and
lives into his 70s so by the time he's
dead there's not many people living that
remember what it's like to live in a
republic they just remember what it's
like to live under Augustus so he then
establishes how are we going to find the
next person isn't that crazy that that's
human nature that's crazy I mean this is
what we saw during the covid pandemic
for example I mean anything to keep us
safe we'll do anything just give us
peace give us stability give us safety
we'll give up everything we'll give up
everything we've ever known I would
imagine during that time when they were
basically crowning Augustus Emperor uh
which is kind of like a new King right
you're just putting a shiny different
name on it I I would imagine there was
probably some dissent there there was
probably people saying no no no no no no
this is not the way we want to remain a
republic or we want more freedoms we
don't want to live under Kings we don't
want to live under but that of course
was was squashed and the majority went
out or the powerful went out and decided
that no we're going to go in this we're
going to give up these freedoms or give
up I mean I don't know how free Roman
the Romans were under the republic or
you know how we could but it sounds like
it was better than the EMP the empire
being under an emperor sounds like
there's a little bit more say yes and no
like I guess people do have a lot more
say during the Republic but there's a
lot more money in the early Empire it's
after like 117 when they start going
crazy what they're doing with their
money that things get bad but if you
want to look at it like one of the early
things well first of all when Caesar
when Julius Caesar takes over power he
replaces most of the Senate with people
that actually support him so people that
would have had a problem with this have
already been removed um his main enemies
leave Italy pompy the great is going to
be killed by killed in Egypt not by
Caesar but by the to king um his two
biggest enemies actually commit suicide
because they don't want to face Caesar
um so you have this kind of the people
that would have had something to say
about it are for the most part gone you
assume some enemies that are left like
uh the most famous oror Marcus tus
Cicero um that Augustus is going to have
him killed so after after really taking
power Augustus starts slowly removing
the people that have something to say
against him so a lot of the opposition
has been removed early on but he starts
removing that oppos later on the people
want stability which they're getting so
it it's not hard to see like how you can
easily get there yeah and now I mean
nowadays I don't think you can easily
take people out like actually murder
them but what we are seeing I mean it
happens they tried I think with Donald
Trump right they certainly got a shot in
cards it seems like a lot more of that
happens right yeah but but now what
we're dealing with what we're seeing
which is kind of similar would be like
the misinformation campaigns online like
oh we got to silence and censor people
we can't let their views and their
opinions get out there anything we don't
agree with we're just not going to let
people see that seems to be the tactic
now in order to oppress any sort of
opposition to whatever it is that the
establishment wants to to do just
silence it
online I that's one of the tactics
that's the interesting part about it Kim
is I think it's good and it's bad
because I think if you look at like
later on when the empire fell I think if
people had the ability to speak like
they could now at least in some as
aspects that maybe they could have done
something about it but I think also you
look at how controlled most of our
information is they don't do
assassinations in public anymore I know
though we did have an an attempt on on
Trump not too long ago it's done through
the court of public opinion whether it
be with law cases whether it be with um
what you've had to say they they kind of
unperson you in a lot of ways and
Technology I think is very scary in that
way whereas you know hundreds of years
ago somebody would have raised a
military force now it's more of they're
just going to cancel you online and it's
all over yeah yeah they just remove you
from every platform they call you a
conspiracy theorist you know they slap
these labels on people to make it so
that they're delegitimized and people
don't listen to them and they're oh
you're part of the crazy Camp if you
listen to that person and so they've
kind of figured out ways to do character
assassinations right and uh and censor
people online which sounds it's a very
similar tactic I mean what's really
frightening about all of this is what we
see which is why we should study history
right it's why we should have these
conversations is because we see that
human nature doesn't actually change we
just kind of we shift with the times
what resources we use to basically do
the same exact thing so yeah the Romans
didn't have the internet so they weren't
doing things the way we do them now but
you know history uh I think I heard you
say when I was listening to some of your
shows history doesn't repeat itself it
what is it that you Rhymes What's the
phrase it Rhymes yeah so it's not going
to be exact it's just going to be
extremely similar and that's that's what
we're seeing and and maybe things are
even sped up right now with the US
Empire because of the internet how fast
the world moves now you know we're
moving at such a faster Pace than the
Romans could possibly I mean we could
fly you know and we have Internet so
things are a lot are a lot
different um so but what is the problem
with the Roman Empire then I mean what
is it that what is so I mean obviously I
think people would rather live in a time
when they can have more voting and so
I'm going to pose a question that sounds
like I'm almost for dictatorships and
I'm not but this has been one of the
debates that's been going on in today's
era and that debate is you know you look
at China and China doesn't have the same
bureaucracy that the United States has
and because of that lack of bureaucracy
because of their ability to just make
decisions almost like the Roman Empire
they're ex they're it sounds like doing
something very similar to what the Roman
Empire did when they switched over to
the Empire right which is they started
to they're rapidly becoming prosperous
and they're not dealing with bureaucracy
they're not having a lot of infighting
it's one person kind of making all of
these big decisions and that seems to be
really working for them uh it sounds
like it also really worked for the Roman
Empire I'm not saying that I want to go
into a world of you know dictatorship or
um autocrats or anything like that but
there clearly is I mean I think that we
can't have serious convers ations about
democracy about preserving democracy or
a republic if we're not willing to at
least understand the benefits that do
come from sort of an autocratic style
government which is things get done a
lot faster more efficiently and if
you've got the right autocrat I guess uh
you might end up with a you might end up
prosperous you might end up with some
benefit
there I guess you have to look at it I
guess from the perspective of like
number one might doesn't always make
right you know like it it to actually
like take people's ability to to to to
live and create I think can be hard but
I think also it's understanding where
these things go eventually and I I I
guess it takes hundreds of years to get
there but you you eventually have you're
going to have more than one powerful
autocrat that wants to be in power and
that's what happens in the third century
and that's what actually kills the
Empire because what would happen is um
after the death of kdus he's the son of
Marcus aurelus people were really not
happy with kdus because he was often
fighting in the in the gladiatorial
games and things like that rather than
actually ruling his Empire so he's a
assassinated by the petorian guard um
which is a whole another conversation of
the the petorian guard behind Emperors
and you know how scared you should be
for your life but what would happen is
it became who could raise the most
powerful Army and I think that's the
problem of where this eventually leads
you so you would you have What's called
the baric Emperors in the third Century
Barracks comes from the word military
barracks and the what would happen is
the guy that paid their army more would
be the next Emperor so in the third
Century you have around 47 different
guys claim to be Emperor I know there's
some people say it's more some that say
it's less but you have around 47
different Emperor claimants the problem
is this destroys the currency and I
think that's the thing you have to worry
about is when you don't have a currency
it's very hard to have a country anymore
and by the time you get to the 270s um
Emperor Ran's um silver coin is actually
bronze there's no silver in it and you
just have money that can't buy anything
people don't trust the money anymore you
have a black market that pops up because
they don't want to use actual money
they'd rather trade but then you also
have people stop trusting the currency
so that's going to hurt you for not just
trade within your country but trade
outside of your country so as much as
sure it might be good for a little bit
eventually you're going to see other
powerful autocrats try and use force in
order to raise themselves and you have
to pay the people that are are behind
you or they're not going to be behind
you very long that's how you destroy a
country right and maybe in today's era
it wouldn't be necessarily raising an
army I mean I do think that obviously if
you've got the military behind you
you're going to remain in power uh if
you lose the military you're not going
to be in power I think that's even I
think that holds true even in our
current governmental system we just
haven't really seen that in action uh
but it's certainly true the technology
side of it is scary as well because we
we have technology like the Romans never
could have imagined so I think we are
headed into something while history does
rhyme in a lot of ways we're headed into
something they could never imagine yeah
that's true so maybe instead of even an
army you don't need to the actual
military but you can have the tech guys
the tech the tech uh well and that's how
we're we're even fighting Wars now in
this way with surveillance and and Ai
and drones and you know we're kind of
going in that direction so um you know
no I I understand that there would be as
when you've got an autocratic situation
then people you're going to have
multiple people rise up and say well I
want to be the autocrat so I'm going to
do what it takes and in this era it
would maybe be getting the billionaires
behind you you don't necessarily need
the the the military but if you get the
billionaires behind you and they're the
ones pushing forward for you to be the
person I mean we're kind of watching
this happen within the Democratic party
right now I where was the vote where was
the Democracy where Kamala was just
crowned I mean that's what
was they they CED Joe Biden they got him
out of there and they crowned kamla even
though the public didn't want her they
said they didn't want her back in 2020
when she was running for in the
Democratic primary continued to not want
her as she was vice president of the
United States her ratings were very low
lower than Joe Biden's which was very
difficult to do and then they still but
they crowned her anyway so it's whoever
was behind her and that didn't take the
military right there wasn't any military
I think that was like uh surrounding KLA
Harrison saying this is the person that
we wanted to power but it was some other
force that we're dealing with so I think
it's very similar you know during the
Roman Empire maybe it was the military
and if if you had the military's backing
then you could be the next Emperor but
today we got to figure out who that who
is that dark force is so powerful that
they're able to just Crown
Kamala you know the billionaires or is
it the tech is it the Deep State like
who is it you know I think a big part of
this is is so the petorian guard comes
comes around under the first Emperor
Augustus and they're responsible early
on for protecting the emperor that's
their main purpose they're this Elite
military unit that all they do is
protect the emperor they could carry
weapons inside the walls of Rome which
no one else could do so they have this
very particular role and particular
things they can do the third emperor
Caligula they make a big move and they
actually kill him after a four-year
Reign and what ends up happening then is
the petorian guard doesn't just become a
group that protects the emperor they
start to establish themselves almost
like a like a Roman deep state in a lot
of ways and the most powerful man in
Rome isn't typically the emperor it's
What's called the petorian prefect the
guy who's actually in control of the
petorian guard and they decide you know
if they don't like somebody that's in
power they're going to take him out and
it happens many times throughout history
there's many many uh that are slain and
if you want to look at it even I've made
this comparison on on X you could see
Obama is almost your modern petorian
prefect like maybe he might not be in
power obsessively but he's pulling a lot
of the strings behind the scenes of what
happens he was the last one to endorse
Kamala so it's almost like he was
waiting till make sure this is who he
wants in and if this is even who he
wants in after the DNC I don't know so I
think we really are seeing very similar
actions hey guys this was just a clip of
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