The memory of Rome through popular consciousness and its manifestation in A Song of Ice and Fire series

The idea of the Roman empire has lived long in the popular consciousness, and, especially in the western world, often considered synonymously with any conception of an empire. From Ben-Hur (1953) to Gladiator (2000), films depicting the Roman empire have been popular and successful, both reflecting the interest in, and understanding of, Rome in popular knowledge, as well as reinforcing and reigniting said engagement.

It is thus inevitable that at the ideas and associations of the Roman empire are reflected in fictional empires across science fiction and fantasy; from the fall of the Roman empire’s influence on Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series, to the Atlantis myth’s inspiration of Numenor in Tolkien’s work. This same influence can be found in the Valyrian Empire in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series.

As a very popular example of modern fantasy, through both the book series and its television adaptation, A Song of Ice and Fire serves as a useful case study in which to consider popular understanding and imagining of the Roman empire. In exploring the aspects, associations and tropes associated with Rome within the popular understanding, and considering how they then manifest in the fictional Valyrian empire, this paper will highlight the how the memory of the Roman empire has been distilled through popular presentations and imaginings. Through the lens of this fantasy series, this paper will highlight the ongoing associations of Rome with its military conquests, slaves, gladiators, architectural feats, road networks, linguistic ubiquity, and more. In identifying these, this paper will then highlight why these aspects have continued to be associated with the memory of Rome, and show how, through the monumentality of its legacy, Rome continues to hold resonance to this day.