David BridgesUPDATE: Mar. 13, 2025, 3:15 p.m. EDT All sizes of Bluesky’s “A WORLD WITHOUT CAESARS” shirt sold out in less than 30 minutes. We’ve asked the company whether it’s planning a restock and will update this story if/when we hear back. Our original story follows.
The iconic T-shirt that has captured the attention of social media enthusiasts worldwide is now available for purchase.
The innovative social media platform Bluesky has started selling a unique version of the shirt that its CEO, Jay Graber, wore during a keynote session at SXSW in Austin this week. This oversized black tee features the phrase “Mundus sine caesaribus,” which translates from Latin to “a world without Caesars.” As reported by Mashable’s Chance Townsend, this phrase represents a pointed critique aimed at Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who was seen wearing a similar shirt that referenced a Roman ruler at last year’s developer conference. This clever contrast highlights the ongoing rivalry and thematic differences between the two tech leaders.
Bluesky CEO: imagine a ‘world without Caesars’
As of Thursday afternoon, Graber’s provocative shirt is now up for grabs at a price of $40, available in sizes ranging from small to XL at worldwithoutcaesars.com. The website specifies that “Any proceeds benefit the AT Protocol developer ecosystem, the open network that Bluesky is built upon,” emphasizing the platform’s commitment to supporting the broader developer community and enhancing user experience.
Mashable Light Speed
Graber’s shirt closely resembles the one Zuckerberg wore during Meta Connect 2024 — identical design and typeface, yet conveys a starkly different message. Zuckerberg’s shirt proclaimed “Aut Zuck aut nihil” (“Zuck or nothing”), which is a playful twist on the classic Latin phrase “Aut Caesar aut nihil” (“Either Caesar or nothing”). This ongoing fascination with Roman emperor Augustus Caesar seems to have become a hallmark of Zuckerberg’s branding strategy over the years, illustrating his ambition and the cultural references that permeate his leadership style.
Mashable has reached out to Meta for their perspective on this developing narrative.
In her SXSW keynote, Graber reaffirmed her stance against the traditional tech executive model, underscoring the significance of open-source, decentralized platforms like Bluesky.
Graber emphasized, “If a billionaire tried to ruin things, [Bluesky] users could just leave — without losing their identity or data.” This declaration reinforces the platform’s commitment to user autonomy and data security, positioning it as a viable alternative in the saturated social media landscape.
Launched in 2023 as an exclusive invite-only platform, Bluesky quickly gained traction as a compelling alternative to Elon Musk’s X. As of March 2025, the platform boasts over 32 million users, a testament to its growing popularity and the demand for innovative social media solutions.
Topics
Social Media
Bluesky
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Daniel Mercer
Brandon Fletcher
