Cultus Classicus: Young Italians Revive Classical Culture on Instagram

Enrico and Nichita, two students from the University of Padua, run the Instagram page Cultus Classicus, which has gained over 43,000 followers and 8,500 on TikTok by discussing classical literature, beauty, and art. They advocate for a return to classical forms and criticize contemporary art, particularly the Venice Biennale, which they call "barbaric and uncivilized" paraphrasing Vasari. They promote kalokagathia, the Greek ideal of physical and moral perfection, and argue that art should prioritize beauty and craftsmanship over shock value. Their content has sparked debate, especially videos criticizing 20th-century architecture and modern poetry. They oppose what they see as the dumbing down of culture by figures like Rupi Kaur and Madeline Miller, urging audiences to read original classics. Despite their critiques, they appreciate the freedom of information in the digital age but warn against digital slavery. They hope to inspire youth to embrace classical education and resist idiocracy.