George Bond Presents
The Rise of the Two Romes
In the grand halls of power, where the oligarchs and emperors reside, the echoes of ambition and greed can be heard resounding through the ages. From the brutal purges of Ancient Rome, to the mysterious deaths of Russian billionaires, the lust for control and influence has always been a driving force in the actions of those in power.
The parallels between the Roman emperors and the Russian elite are striking. Both have been known for their ruthless ambition and their willingness to eliminate those who stand in their way. In ancient Rome, we see emperors like Julius Caesar and Caligula, who rose to power through bloodshed and manipulation, and who were ultimately brought down by the knives of their enemies. In modern Russia, we see billionaires like Leonid Shulman and Sergey Protosenya, who have been found dead under suspicious circumstances, their deaths shrouded in mystery and speculation.
Like the Roman emperors, the Russian elite are known for their insatiable desire for wealth and influence. They will stop at nothing to secure their position, even if it means turning on their own colleagues and friends. This is evident in the case of Protosenya, the former CEO of gas giant Novatek, who was found dead along with his wife and daughter in a Spanish hotel room. His son has stated that his father was not the perpetrator, but that his parents and sister were murdered by someone else.
In both Rome and Russia, the deaths of these powerful figures have been met with skepticism and conspiracy theories. Friends and families of the deceased have demanded independent investigations, and have rejected the notion that these deaths were the result of suicide or poor health. Similarly, in Rome, the deaths of emperors were often met with rumors and speculation, with many believing that they were the result of plots and conspiracies.
But perhaps the most striking similarity between the Roman emperors and the Russian elite is the way in which they have used fear and intimidation to maintain their power. The Roman emperors were known for their brutal tactics, executing those who dared to oppose them and intimidating those who remained loyal. In modern Russia, we see a similar pattern, with those in power using the threat of violence and death to keep the population in check.
Despite the centuries that separate these two eras, the lessons of history remain the same. The lust for power and control has always been a dangerous and destructive force, leading to the rise and fall of those who seek it. Whether in ancient Rome or modern Russia, those who hold the reins of power must be held accountable for their actions, and those who fall victim to their ambition must be remembered and honored.
In the words of Fitzgerald, the past is never dead. It’s not even past. The actions of the past echo through the ages, shaping the present and the future. And as we look at the mysterious deaths of Russian billionaires, we are reminded of the similar patterns of ambition and greed that have plagued humanity for centuries. We must remember the lessons of history and strive to ensure that the same mistakes are not repeated. Only by learning from the past can we hope to build a better future.