A gesture associated with the Nazis has a surprising history. But in Germany, there was little doubt about its meaning.

The Roman salute is conditionally allowed in Italy and outright banned in Germany. German chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to Musk's gesture by saying, "We have the freedom of speech in Europe and in Germany," he said, "what we do not accept is if this is supporting extreme right positions."

The salute became popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries in artworks and theatre performances, showing Romans saluting as a way of greeting each other