Who doesn’t feel inspired when thinking about the splendors of Rome? In September, I returned from my second trip to Rome in recent months, and you know what? It never disappoints. Rome surprises, astonishes, and leaves me wanting more. As I buckled in for my flight home, I couldn’t stop thinking about the recent “all men think about is the Roman Empire” meme explosion on social media. So, I did what anyone would—I spent the next few hours thinking about this odd phenomenon.

Apparently, men regularly ponder ancient Rome, from its conquests to its bold leaders and architectural feats. By “regularly,” I mean every single day. At first, I laughed it off. But then I asked my nerdy husband, son, and son-in-law—the male brains of my operation—for their take. Without missing a beat, they all responded with, “Of course we do.” This left me wondering… are women sitting around fantasizing about being gladiatrixes (didn’t know there were female gladiators did you?) or securing VIP seats at the Colosseum?

A Few Random Travel Tips

I’ve visited Rome over a dozen times in the past 20 years. I own enough Rome art and architecture books to fill a mini-library, and Italian food, wine, and style rank at the top of every list. The older I get, the more I find myself thinking about ancient Roman wonders—oh, and all things old, which we’ll file under “Susan problems” for now. Are you team Colosseum or Pantheon? Carbonara or Cacio e pepe? Impossible to choose, right? And don’t even get me started on gladiators. If I could rewind to 2001, you’d find me at the Colosseum, fangirling over Russell Crowe in full arena glory. I could offer all kinds of Rome travel tips, but I’ll save that for another time. What I will say is, “When in Rome, do as the Roman’s do”. Sit on the Spanish Steps; watch and linger. Visit the Collesseum at night. Eat real gelato from Il Palazzo del Freddo, the oldest gelateria in Rome. Step into a church or two or three. And that goes double for the iconic buildings and museums.

The Power and Allure

Stretching from military might to cultural achievements, Rome blended violence and beauty like no other. So, maybe men are tapping into those hyper-patriarchal ideals—power, strategy, resilience—when they fixate on Rome. There’s undoubtedly a macho appeal in imagining oneself as a conqueror in all its brutal, flawed glory. And what about the memes? They’ve injected humor into this male fascination, turning Rome into a playful shorthand for epic legacies. As women, have we partly embraced the joke because it reveals just how different our default daydreams can be? Is this another one of those “men are from Mars” moments?

Cultural Richness: Savoring Life the Roman Way

It seems that women form emotional connections with Rome, the people and the culture. Roman life is relished and celebrated—from the leisurely pace of a meal to the vibrant city squares. Roman culture places great importance on family, community, connection, and enjoying life’s pleasures. This is a refreshing reminder for women who feel caught in life’s endless to-do lists. This approach to living, with its unhurried, mindful approach, can inspire a cultural shift in our own lives. I welcome the reminder to slow down, reconnect with family and friends, and prioritize being present.

Sustainability and Legacy: Rome as a Builder of Worlds

As someone with a background in architecture and design, I’m always awestruck by Roman architecture. The Romans didn’t just build for function—they built for eternity. Structures like the Colosseum and Pantheon aren’t just monuments but legacies. Walking through Rome, I marvel at the balance between durability and beauty. There’s a valuable lesson here about grounding ambition in solid foundations and aiming for longevity—something to consider as we navigate our lives. From Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel to Bernini’s fountains, the attention to detail is staggering and can be inspiring, especially for women looking to channel more creativity into their lives. It’s a reminder that art in any form is not just decoration but can be a dialogue stretching centuries. Whether it’s picking up a creative hobby, redecorating a space, or simply finding more beauty in unexpected places, Rome’s art provides an eternal muse.

History’s Lessons: Triumphs and Mistakes

But there is the dark side to Rome’s flawed history. Maybe those failures are what the guys obsess over. What could have been? What should have been? The Roman Empire is often romanticized, but its history is one of ups and downs, glorious achievements, and colossal mistakes. For women today, exploring Rome’s history is a way to see the power of resilience and to recognize that even the mightiest empires were flawed. History isn’t about perfection—it’s about growth, adaptation, and survival, something women of a certain age have mastered. Rome’s historical layers offer an inspiring reminder that setbacks are often stepping stones, and with every fall comes the potential to rise again. It’s a city that’s seen it all and still stands, an enduring symbol of reinvention.

What’s your “Rome”—a place you find yourself returning to in real life or in daydreams?
How do you incorporate art, history, or legacy into your own life?
What’s your latest creative outlet? And what inspires you?