The Twisted Influence of Ancient Rome on Elon Musk and the Rise of Neo-Fascism

The Nazi Salute: A Fabrication Rooted in Art and Cinema

Elon Musk's Inauguration Day gesture has sparked both controversy and accusations of Nazi sympathies. But where did the so-called "Roman salute" originate from? It turns out to be a modern fantasy born out of 19th-century paintings and films.

Military historian Sara Elise Phang notes that there is only one vague reference to a Roman military salute in ancient literature. Film historians conclude that the iconic salute was fabricated by artists like Jacques-Louis David and made popular in films portraying gladiators and ancient Romans.

The Bellamy Salute and Its Transformation

The "Roman salute" inspired the "Bellamy salute," created for the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892. However, under fire from Italian and German fascists, who adopted a similar gesture, Congress officially changed the salute to a hand held over the heart in 1942.

Roman Imagery and the Fascist Connection

Mussolini and the Nazi Party drew inspiration from misinterpretations of art and films depicting Roman scenes. Hitler himself admitted to adopting the salute after observing Mussolini's usage.

Musk's Affinity for Ancient Rome and Neo-Nazi Sympathies

Musk's obsession with Roman history, from referencing Sulla to donning Roman soldier attire, raises concerns about his political ideologies. His flirtation with right-wing figures and antisemitic posts further suggests Nazi sympathies.

Resisting the Fascism of History

The fabrication of the "Roman salute" and its glorification by far-right groups serves as a tool for cloaking violent beliefs in ancient history. We must challenge such distortions and question the use of the Roman Empire as a justification for imperialism.

Like Hitler and Mussolini before him, Musk and his allies aim to reinterpret history to suit their fascist agenda. It is essential to educate ourselves about the history of fascism and its modern manifestations to prevent the horrors of the past from repeating themselves again.