SPQR
A History of Ancient Rome
-
-
4.1 • 28 Ratings
-
-
- $12.99
Publisher Description
Ancient Rome matters.
Its history of empire, conquest, cruelty and excess is something against which we still judge ourselves. Its myths and stories - from Romulus and Remus to the Rape of Lucretia - still strike a chord with us. And its debates about citizenship, security and the rights of the individual still influence our own debates on civil liberty today.
SPQR is a new look at Roman history from one of the world's foremost classicists. It explores not only how Rome grew from an insignificant village in central Italy to a power that controlled territory from Spain to Syria, but also how the Romans thought about themselves and their achievements, and why they are still important to us. Covering 1,000 years of history, and casting fresh light on the basics of Roman culture from slavery to running water, as well as exploring democracy, migration, religious controversy, social mobility and exploitation in the larger context of the empire, this is a definitive history of ancient Rome.
SPQR is the Romans' own abbreviation for their state: Senatus Populusque Romanus, 'the Senate and People of Rome'.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
We’ve always been fascinated by Rome, one of the rare places where the ancient past and the go-go present coexist seamlessly. Mary Beard’s book does the fabled city justice by presenting historical facts in lively, colourful language. Rather than offer an academic survey, SPQR asks fascinating questions about Roman life at all levels and chips away at popular misconceptions and myths about a society that continues to influence our world. This lively non-fiction read would make a wonderful gift for the travelers and lifelong learners on your list.
Customer Reviews
Comprehensive history
I found Mary Beard's style tough going in the early part of the book but got over it to e point where I couldn't put it down.
For a non-historian, I felt enlightened by the end.