The Roman Salute, or Saluto Romano: How did the Romans greet each other?

In the twentieth century, the Roman salute became a widely recognized symbol of Fascism in Italy, Nazism in Germany, Falangism in Spain, and various other right-wing or nationalist movements. Actually, everything started with one painting by Jacques-Louis David, in the late 18th century.

Those performing this gesture would extend their stiff right arm forward and raise it to about 135 degrees from the body's vertical axis, with the hand's palm facing down and fingers together. This salute was purportedly based on an ancient Roman tradition, similar to how the term "Fascism" is linked to the Roman fasces—a bundle of rods with an axe, symbolizing the authority of high Roman magistrates and some priests.

However, the designation "Roman salute" is inaccurate.

No Roman artwork, whether sculpture, coin, or painting, shows such a salute, nor is it recognized in Roman literature or mentioned by ancient historians of either the Republican or Imperial periods. The gestures involving a raised right arm or hand found in Roman and other ancient cultures, as depicted in surviving art and literature, served different purposes and were never identical to the modern straight-arm salute.

Historians have often overlooked modern popular culture, including cinema, which has led to persistent yet unchallenged misconceptions about the Roman salute's origins.

Some historical facts

Firstly, it's essential to grasp the historical background of what is often referred to as the ancient Roman salute. During Roman times, this salute was likely a gesture of respect and deference, commonly used in both military and civic contexts. Historical descriptions and artistic depictions from that era indicate that the salute typically involved raising the right hand, often with the palm facing outward, which differs significantly from the straight-armed, palm-down salute adopted by Fascists and Nazis.