The Weird History of the Nazi Salute | Roman Salute, WW2, Italian Fascism, Hitler

The video explores the origins and evolution of the so-called Roman salute, debunking its historical accuracy. It traces the salute's journey from a misinterpretation of a painting by Jean Jacques David to its adoption by American students and later by Italian fascists under Gabrielle di Anuncio. The video highlights how Mussolini popularized the salute, which was then adopted by the Nazis, who fabricated a Germanic history for it. The narrative underscores the influence of art and propaganda in shaping historical myths.

What is the origin of the Roman salute myth?

• A medieval manuscript

• A painting by Jean Jacques David

• A historical Roman text

• An ancient Roman sculpture

Which artist contributed to the spread of the salute through his paintings of gladiators?

• James B Upman

• Francis Bellamy

• Jean Leon Jerome

• Jean Jacques David

Who was Gabrielle di Anuncio and what was his role in World War I?

• A Roman general

• A French revolutionary

• A German politician

• An Italian playwright and war hero

What unusual practice did early Italian fascists, like Filippo Tomaso Marinetti, promote?

• Eating pasta as a staple

• Listening to classical music

• Revolutionizing the dining experience

• Wearing traditional Roman attire

How did the Nazis justify the use of the salute despite its non-Germanic origins?

• Inventing a Germanic history for it

• Attributing it to ancient Greek culture

• Saying it was a medieval custom

• Claiming it was a Roman tradition