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I'm listening to Unruly by David Mitchell at the moment which chronicles England's monarchs (I really recommend it). The "glorious past" myth seems to be a key
by janice1999 2y ago
I'm listening to Unruly by David Mitchell at the moment which chronicles England's monarchs (I really recommend it). The "glorious past" myth seems to be a key part of forming, legitimising and maintaining an empire, whether that past is completely mythological like King Arthur or somewhat historical like the Roman empire.
- JumpCrisscross 2y ago> whether that past is completely mythological like King Arthur or somewhat historical like the Roman empire It's always mythological. Rome's glorified pasts were, variably, an invented history about a small town; papering over constant civil wars; or papering over the ruthless imposition of authoritarian rule over a fallen republic.
- janice1999 2y agoMy point was meant to be that Rome at least existed, while King Arthur certainly did not.