The “Roman salute” you’re referring to never existed in history up until the 19th century when popular media introduced it. It’s fiction, it resonated with Italian facist which is why they started using it.
Yes the "Roman salute" was quite possibly invented by Jacques-Louis David. So what? The question isn't "did the salute match what actually was used 2,000 years ago," but "what salute did Elon Musk think he was doing?"
Either it was a real fascist salute, or a Hollywood roman salute. Either one is deeply troubling.
Either it was a real fascist salute, or a Hollywood roman salute. Either one is deeply troubling.