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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Downvoting Roman” is a rare card of the Memes World series 72, number 21557 of the collection, and the 241st best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “Downvoting Roman” meme mean?
This meme expresses categorical disapproval. It is used to indicate that an idea, post, or behavior is wrong, disgusting, or simply bad. The character’s authority reinforces the definitive nature of the criticism. People use it to shut down debates without lengthy arguments.
Where does the “Downvoting Roman” meme come from?
The image comes from the historical epic Gladiator, released in 2000. The scene shows Emperor Commodus, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, consulting the crowd before ordering the execution of a gladiator. The thumbs-down gesture became iconic in modern cinema. The first documented use as an online macro occurred on July 6, 2011, on Reddit. An initial post failed to gain traction, but a follow-up the next day reached the front page with thousands of upvotes. The Advice Animals format popularized this image as a standard visual reaction. Although the actual historical meaning of the ancient gesture is debated, the cinematic interpretation has cemented its cultural significance.
- 2000Release of the movie Gladiator where the thumbs-down scene was filmed.
- July 6, 2011First documented publication of the macro on the Advice Animals subreddit on Reddit.
- July 7, 2011Viral post reaching the Reddit front page with over twenty-seven hundred upvotes.
How to use the “Downvoting Roman” meme
- Use the image to immediately reject a controversial opinion on social media platforms.
- Add this meme under a comment perceived as false or malicious to signal disagreement.
- Employ the macro to illustrate a firm refusal of a proposal considered absurd during an online debate.
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- joaquin phoenix gladiator scene thumbs down
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- history of roman thumbs down
The “Downvoting Roman” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 21557 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare |
| Collection | Memes World series 72 |
| Fame | 67/100 · #241 of 300 |
| Recycle value | 10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Downvoting Roman” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Downvoting Roman comes out of the Memes World series 72 as a rare card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 10 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “Downvoting Roman”
More cards of the Memes World series 72
Frequently asked questions
What does the thumbs down mean in Gladiator?
In the movie, this gesture orders the defeatist's death in front of the crowd. Historically, the exact interpretation remains uncertain, but cinema has fixed this association between the gesture and execution.
Who is the actor in the Downvoting Roman meme?
It is Joaquin Phoenix, who portrays Emperor Commodus. His authoritative acting made this moment memorable and suitable for creating humorous macros.
When did the Downvoting Roman meme appear on the internet?
The earliest known trace dates back to early July 2011 on Reddit. A version published on July 7 experienced immediate success thanks to the community voting system.
Does the thumbs down really mean death in Rome?
Historical sources do not firmly confirm this single meaning. The idea comes primarily from the modern cinematic adaptation rather than verified facts from antiquity.
How do I get the Downvoting Roman meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Downvoting Roman” is a rare card of the Memes World series 72. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Downvoting Roman card?
It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Downvoting Roman / Commodus Thumbsdown - Know Your Meme · Reddit | Know Your Meme · Why Almost Everything You Know From Gladiator Is Wrong · checked on October 14, 2026.
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