History of the Fasces

It is great to finally be back! Sorry for the delay. It was a hard spring and a overly hot summer. In this episode I handle the story of the fascis, or fasces in plural. The iconic symbol of a bundle of rods often seen both in ancient art, and in modern emblems. I felt a bit rusty honestly, but I will be back on a better level quite soon!

Ancient History makes illustrated short documentaries about the history of the ancient world – from the beginning of civilization to the fall of western Rome. (However, I don’t guarantee that I won’t do some excursions to the Byzantines and other intriguing aspects.)

All narrated material is original unless stated differently. Anyone working on our scripts has an academic degree relevant for the subject. Photos are generally from public domain.

You can also contribute by interact with us in the commentary field!

The following gear was used in the production of this episode:
Camera: Panasonic Lumix GF8-K

#ancienthistory #rome #ancientrome #fasces #fascis

[lordsiomai]

It amazing how a symbol's so iconic that it survived for a incredibly long time (albeit in different contexts and usages)

[IggyVans.]

Excellent channel. My first viewing.
I'm sitting in a park in Boston looking at nice older buildings & studying the neoclassical decorations & noticed a design that was similar to a fascis so I decided to take a chance & look it up on YouTube & your video was the first one. Great imagery, it expanded my knowledge of the subject. Thanks!

[dukecity]

Well done. I also was glad to see this past scorching summer end.

[henkstersmacro-world]

Great to hear from you again and thank you for the interesting content, as always👍👍👍..

[IamHumbleD]

This was absolutely amazing and fascinating! Thanks so much for sharing your profound knowledge on this topic! I didn't even know what a fasces was until about 20 mins ago when I heard it discussed in a podcast (talking briefly about symbology everywhere and how the Lincoln statue has his hands resting on fasces). I'll probably be back to research more things on this channel! Thanks again!

[Krommer]

Great to see a new vid, and FOR THE ALGORITHM!

[MonsieurChapeau]

What an absolutely enlightening video 🙏

[lawrencelou]

How do use it as a weapon?? So cumbersome to carry.. and obviously difficult to wield.. was it just symbolic??

[silverjohn]

Would anyone know where the Lictors were recruited from? Retired military? Citizens or freedmen?

[Usermaatre]

the fasces axe came from the ancient egyptian ntr/neter axe pronounced as nidar in somali meaning god of punishment but nidar also means promise or vow

[grena]

Apparently the ADL calls it a hate symbol. A symbol seen throughout the world on public buildings and on flags. Who appointed the ADL arbiters of meaning?

[kramex]

This is the miracle that you found me, that you found me among so many millions. And that I found you, that's Germany's luck.

[Duffy]

I'm surprised it is not a very controversial symbol being used on many modern day seals.