Check out SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome reviewed
Mary Beard, a British professor of classics, has written several books on ancient history. During her career, she has explored diverse civilizations and cultures, including Ancient Rome. One of her most famous works is SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome (Liveright), which has received widespread acclaim from readers and critics alike.
Mary Beard is also a fixture on BBC television and radio and writes a witty blog called “A Don’s Life” for The Times Literary Supplement website.
What is SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome about?
The Roman Empire is perhaps the most influential and remarkable empire of the ancient world, spanning the entire Mediterranean at its peak. SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome is a comprehensive study of the rise and fall of this empire. The book charts its humble beginnings to its eventual decline. It covers a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, culture, and religion, providing readers with an in-depth understanding of the society of the Roman world.
The author explains that she chose to begin the book at a pivotal moment in Roman history, specifically Cicero’s Republic crisis in 63 BCE, or B.C. This era has been well-documented and is a great starting point to immerse the reader in the Roman community and explore the political crisis through contemporary writings.
A renowned classicist, Ms. Beard’s exploration of Rome’s history encompasses the founding myth of Romulus and Remus—the abandoned twins suckling a lactating wolf. The book touches on the early kingdom and the Roman Republic before exploring the imperial era. It extends to Emperor Caracalla’s landmark decree in A.D. 212, which granted Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants of the empire, regardless of where they resided.
She delves into the lives of prominent ancient Romans, including Julius Caesar, Hannibal, Tacitus, Spartacus, Nero, Cleopatra, Augustus, and Caligula. Additionally, she examines the works of writers who chronicled the time period, such as Cicero, Livy, Horace, Virgil, and Pliny the Younger.
The author has included captivating anecdotes in her book. For example, she recounts the story of Catiline’s great-grandfather, a war hero who fought against Hannibal and entered combat with a prosthetic hand, most likely a metal hook. Another fascinating figure is Pyrrhus, who introduced elephants to Italy. In one account, he attempted to startle a visiting Roman by unveiling an elephant behind a curtain.
The Greek historian Polybius perfectly sums up the book’s central questions: how did the Romans conquer almost the entire inhabited world in under 53 years, under what political system, and what does it mean for us today?
SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome—Our book review
Beard’s book is an informative and engaging history book. Her writing is clear and concise, and her extensive research is evident throughout. One of the book’s main strengths is its focus on the everyday lives of Roman citizens, or at least what is known of them based on fragmented evidence.
The book is also notable for its critical analysis of the Roman Empire. Beard’s approach is refreshing and offers a much-needed perspective on a subject studied for centuries.
Another significant strength of Beard’s book is its digestible and entertaining writing style. Beard avoids excessive technical jargon and instead provides a casual and often humorous take on the complex subject of ancient history.
This history book tackles many prominent and pervasive myths about ancient Rome and its people. At the same time, it manages to contextualize the mythology which shaped the Roman mindset and culture.
The early history of Rome is a perplexing subject due to the scarcity of contemporary sources. The tale is mainly lost in myth. Even the later Romans were bewildered at how a town in a swampy area could eventually dominate a massive empire.
Rather than dismissing this material, Beard delves into the meaning behind the stories of the deep past. For instance, if the Romans believed that Romulus and Remus founded their city or that the rape of the Sabine women was a crucial event in their history, what can we gather about the tellers’ concerns, beliefs, and preoccupations? As Greg Woolf remarked, Beard’s approach teaches us to look at the window, not through it, as there isn’t much behind it.
Overall, SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome is a fascinating read that comprehensively explains one of the world’s most influential civilizations.
Listen to SPQR on Speechify Audiobooks
For those who prefer to listen to books, SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome, published by Liveright, is also available on Speechify Audiobooks. This service is ideal for individuals who want to enjoy the book while doing other activities, such as driving or exercising.
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FAQ
What does SPQR mean in Roman history?
The acronym SPQR represents the Latin phrase “Senatus Populusque Romanus,” meaning the Senate and People of Rome. The Senate is the governmental body of ancient Rome.
How long does it take to read SPQR?
Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute, the typical reader will require around 10 hours to finish this book.
How many pages is SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome?
The book is 544 pages long.
What does the cover of SPQR look like?
The cover of SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome features golden olive branches, a Roman symbol, against a white marble background.
What is the difference between SPQR and other books about ancient Rome?
Rather than a straightforward historical account, this book by Mary Beard offers a critical analysis of Rome’s past. Rather than simply describing events, the author delves into their significance and meaning.
What is the author’s purpose in writing SPQR?
In this book, the author provides a broad overview of Roman history, spanning from the eighth century B.C. during the Roman kings’ era to 212 of the first millennium C.E., when Emperor Caracalla granted Roman citizenship to all inhabitants of the Empire.
