Tom Holland reveals shocking truths about the Roman Empire

In Oxford, Tom Holland spoke at Man Group's flagship CIO conference, MAIS, where he discussed the impact of historical decisions on modern power dynamics. He presented insights about the concept of imperium, deriving from ancient Rome, to explain how authority is still exercised in today’s world by nation-states and corporations alike. Holland emphasized that the nature of historical forces influences contemporary events, comparing actions of significant figures like Napoleon and Alexander to the responses of common soldiers. He noted that contemporary decision-makers often attempt to detach their actions from historical contexts, which he cautioned against. Holland concluded by encouraging individuals to learn from history, using Herodotus’ Histories as a profound guide that remains unparalleled in understanding historical processes.