The Roman salute, a gesture steeped in historical controversy, has recently come under scrutiny following accusations against Elon Musk during Donald Trump's presidential inauguration. Musk, accused of giving the Nazi salute, defended his actions by stating it was a Roman salute. This gesture involves placing a hand over one's heart and then raising it upwards in a straight-armed, palm-down salute. While the salute might appear innocuous to some, its historical context and associations with fascist ideologies have sparked debate.
The Roman salute is often confused with the Nazi salute due to their similar hand positions. The Nazi salute, adopted by the Nazis in Germany in the 1930s, became a potent symbol of Nazi ideology. The Roman salute, however, traces its controversial adoption back to Italy's fascist leader, Benito Mussolini. His party embraced the gesture, which was later copied by the Nazis. But was this salute truly Roman in origin?
"It is also unknown to Roman literature and is never mentioned by ancient historians of either republican or imperial Rome." – Martin M Winkler
A comprehensive study by classics professor Martin M Winkler found no evidence that the Roman salute was used in ancient Rome. Winkler's research highlights that not a single Roman work of art, be it sculpture, coinage, or painting, displays a salute akin to those found in Fascism and Nazism.
"Not a single Roman work of art – sculpture, coinage, or painting– displays a salute of the kind that is found in Fascism, Nazism, and related ideologies." – Martin M Winkler
The reality is that the Roman salute was an invention of the 19th century, designed for use in melodramas set in the Roman empire. Its lack of historical authenticity hasn't prevented it from being employed by far-right groups today. Neo-Nazis and other extremists often utilize the Roman salute to signal allegiance to fascist ideologies.
"Slavic neo-Nazis do a similar salute, to the point that the phrase ‘from the heart to the sun’ often serves as a stand-in for actually doing the salute." – Alec Luhn
The phrase "from the heart to the sun" is commonly used among Slavic neo-Nazis as a stand-in for performing the Roman salute. This highlights how gestures can transcend their origins and become symbols of extremist ideologies.
Elon Musk's alleged use of this gesture has added fuel to an already contentious debate. While some of his supporters argue that he intended to give a Roman salute, others criticize him for insensitivity regarding the history of the Nazi salute.
"Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired." – Elon Musk
Musk's response suggests he perceives accusations against him as part of a broader trend of labeling individuals with ties to problematic ideologies without substantial evidence.
"My professional opinion is that you’re all right, you should believe your eyes." – Claire Aubin
Critics like Claire Aubin argue that viewers should trust their interpretations of such gestures, given their historical implications and visual similarities.
Although banned in countries like Germany due to its associations with hate symbols and extremist ideologies, the Roman salute continues to appear in modern contexts. Neo-Nazi groups like the Blood Tribe and far-right platforms such as Gab perpetuate its use as an emblem of fascist allegiance.
"Five-year-olds were taught how to thrust the arm in the air… and people were refused service in shops unless they did the salute." – Torbjörn Lundmark
Historian Torbjörn Lundmark recounts how deeply ingrained these salutes were during periods of intense ideological indoctrination.