In SPQR, an instant classic, Mary Beard narrates the history of Rome "with passion and without technical jargon" and demonstrates how "a slightly shabby Iron Age village" rose to become the "undisputed hegemon of the Mediterranean" (Wall Street Journal).
SPQR is the Romans' own abbreviation for their state: Senatus Populusque Romanus, 'the Senate and People of Rome'.New York Times Bestseller - National Book Critics Circle Finalist - Wall Street Journal Best Books of 2015 - Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2015 - Economist Books of the Year 2015 - New York Times Book Review 100 Notable Books of 2015 A sweeping, "magisterial" history of the Roman Empire from one of our foremost classicists shows why Rome remains "relevant to people many centuries later" (Atlantic). 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. 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. SPQR is a new look at Roman history from one of the world's foremost classicists.
And its debates about citizenship, security and the rights of the individual still influence our own debates on civil liberty today. Its myths and stories - from Romulus and Remus to the Rape of Lucretia - still strike a chord with us. Its history of empire, conquest, cruelty and excess is something against which we still judge ourselves.
Shortlisted for a British Book Industry Book of the Year Award 2016
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