"Friends, Romans...lend me your ears"; and heed Rome's lessons.

A recent TikTok trend prompted women to inquire about men's "regular" thoughts and it uncovered a surprising trend. A significant number of men confessed to thinking about the Roman Empire often, at least daily in fact. While one might dismiss this as another social media phenomenon, my curiosity led me to delve deeper into the matter.

After some online searching and an informal poll among friends, it was apparent that there does indeed appear to be a genuine fondness (among men) for the Roman Empire. The empire, in its various forms spanned some 500-1500 years. Its Golden Age, known as the Pax Romana; refers to a 200-year period starting with the reign of Augustus (27 BCE - 14 CE) to Marcus Aurelius (161 - 180 CE).

The Pax Romana marked the zenith of the empire, witnessing its greatest territorial expansion and population growth. Rome experienced unparalleled prosperity, enduring peace, and security during this era. Moreover, it laid the foundation for numerous cultural achievements that continue to shape the modern age. This enduring influence might explain why thoughts of Rome persist prominently in the minds of men long after its decline.

To better understand this fascination, let's delve into some of the key accomplishments and challenges of the Roman Empire that still resonate today.

Inflation: The decline of Rome is often portrayed as a dramatic and apocalyptic event with barbarians storming the gates. The reality is however that by the time the barbarians arrived, Rome had long been in a state of decline due to decades of self-destructive behavior, complacency, and corruption. These factors left the once-mighty empire weakened and vulnerable. A crucial player in this decline was the rise of inflation, drawing striking parallels to contemporary situations.

Much like today, inflation played a pivotal role in eroding the value of money. The denarius (Rome's currency), experienced staggering inflation rates as high as 15,000%. In response, everyday Romans adopted various strategies, such as bartering goods, cutting back on consumption, diversifying income, and resorting to the burgeoning black market much like modern families are doing because of inflationary challenges and struggling to make ends meet.

Infrastructure: The Romans were masters of public works and infrastructure, showcasing their engineering prowess through remarkable creations like roads, aqueducts, and buildings. Astonishingly, many of these ancient feats of engineering still serve functional purposes today, a testament to the enduring legacy of Roman innovation.

In the contemporary context, the importance of robust infrastructure persists. Modern societies rely heavily on well-developed transportation networks, efficient utilities, and advanced communication systems for sustained economic growth and societal well-being. The parallels to Roman emphasis on infrastructure and its enduring relevance in today's world highlight the timeless significance of strategic investments in the foundational elements that support a thriving civilization.

Legal Systems Shape Society: The impact of the Roman law and governance reverberates through the corridors of time, shaping the foundations of many contemporary democracies. Fundamental concepts such as due process, property rights, and contracts find their roots in Roman legal principles and serves as a cornerstone fostering stability and trust within any society. However, a parallel can be drawn to the present, as corruption within Roman institutions ultimately led to a pervasive sense of distrust and a loss of faith in government, echoing the challenges faced by our own justice systems and political institutions today.

Agricultural Wisdom: In the realm of agricultural the Romans displayed a profound understanding of climate, soil, and planting techniques, earning them success as farmers. Time-honored practices like crop rotation, pruning, seed selection, and irrigation, honed by the Romans, continue to yield benefits for modern farmers. As we navigate contemporary challenges, the importance of sustainable agriculture becomes increasingly evident, serving as a linchpin for both food security and economic stability. The enduring relevance of these ancient agricultural practices underscores the timeless wisdom embedded in the Roman approach to farming, offering valuable insights for the cultivation methods that sustain us in the present day.

Trade and Commerce: The Romans laid the groundwork for one of the earliest functional free markets, driven by their affinity for commerce and the implementation of a standardized currency. This combination not only facilitated domestic trade but also enabled transactions across borders. Fast forward to today, and the principles of global trade and open markets stand as pillars supporting economic growth and fostering cultural exchange.

However, these principles face mounting challenges in the form of resurgent nationalism and the adoption of protectionist policies, which pose a threat to the openness of markets and the free flow of trade.

Adaptability and Resilience: The Roman Empire demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt, survive, and flourish over centuries. Romans exhibited a commendable openness to learning from others, leveraging acquired knowledge to enhance their own capabilities and fortify their strength and efficiency. In the contemporary context, the lessons gleaned from Roman resilience, flexibility, and adaptation hold immense value for navigating the intricacies of today's complex and diverse economic landscape.

Investment in Education and Knowledge: The Romans valued education. Their libraries, schools, and philosophical centers fostered intellectual growth. In today's world, investing in education, research, and lifelong learning is essential for societal progress.

Military Preparedness and Defense: The Roman military, known for its discipline and adaptability, provides a historical example that resonates even as contemporary values veer away from conquest. In today's geopolitical landscape, ensuring national security remains paramount, and a robust defense force plays a crucial role. Embracing the lessons from Rome, modern nations find wisdom in investing not only in traditional military strength but also in cutting-edge technology, robust cyber defense capabilities, and comprehensive disaster preparedness. This strategic alignment with evolving challenges reflects an understanding that a multifaceted approach is essential to safeguarding the well-being and security of a nation in the current era.

Urban Planning and Sanitation: Roman cities had well-designed streets, sewage systems, and public baths. Modern urban planning emphasizes sustainability, green spaces, and efficient infrastructure. Clean water, waste management, and green cities are priorities.

Long-Term Vision and Legacy: The Romans built structures meant to last centuries—amphitheaters, aqueducts, and roads. In our fast-paced world, thinking long-term and creating a positive legacy should guide our decisions.

Trade Routes and Economic Integration: Rome's extensive road network facilitated trade. Today, global supply chains and interconnected markets drive economic growth. Cooperation, fair trade, and open borders foster prosperity.

Citizenship and Civic Responsibility: Roman citizens had rights and responsibilities. Modern societies should encourage active citizenship, civic engagement, and participation in decision-making processes.

Rome provides a valuable repository of lessons that can inform our journey toward a better future. We've only touched on a few here but by thoughtfully applying the insights gained from the Roman experience, we have the opportunity to construct a world that is more resilient, prosperous, and harmonious.

While contemporary society may not be characterized by togas or the construction of coliseums, the enduring legacy of ancient Rome undeniably influences our world that is reflecting in the apparent obsession men have with the Roman Empire.

Let's draw inspiration and learn from both the successes and missteps of this historical epoch, utilizing them as guiding lights to pave the way for a brighter future characterized by prosperity and resilience.