Lessons from the Vikings and the Roman Empire - Historian explains | Lars Brownworth and Lex Fridman

The conversation begins with surprising revelations about Viking hygiene and grooming practices, challenging common misconceptions about their appearance and cleanliness. Brownworth explains that Vikings bathed regularly, dyed their hair blonde with lye to kill lice, and were sometimes mocked in England for being 'too soft' due to their grooming habits, while also being attractive to English women. The discussion then shifts to broader lessons from Viking culture, particularly their fearless, pragmatic approach to exploration and the 'rags to riches' mythology they represent. Brownworth draws parallels between Vikings crossing unknown oceans and the American spirit of exploration and self-made success. The conversation transitions to the Byzantine Empire, which Brownworth sees as offering more practical governmental lessons due to its thousand-year duration. He notes both similarities and differences between Byzantium and modern America, including their polyglot populations and Greco-Roman Judeo-Christian roots, while also highlighting the dangers of absolute power as demonstrated by Byzantine emperors. The discussion concludes with reflections on human nature and historical continuity, with Brownworth arguing that ancient people were psychologically identical to modern humans, making their experiences and wisdom relevant today. He emphasizes that understanding human nature - as fundamentally flawed but capable of both good and evil - is essential for properly interpreting historical lessons.