“The myths of Rome’s foundation are not just stories; they are reflections of how Romans saw their world.”

<ol><li>The Founding of Rome</li></ol>	2.	The Republic’s Rise	3.	The Role of the Senate	4.	The Power of the People	5.	The Social Structure	6.	The Punic Wars	7.	The Expansion of Rome	8.	The Decline of the Republic	9.	The Rise of Emperors	10.	Daily Life in Rome	11.	Religion and Mythology	12.	The Legacy of Rome	13.	The Fall of Rome

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Beyond politics and warfare, Beard paints a vivid picture of everyday life in Rome. She covers aspects such as family life, entertainment, education, and public amenities, providing a comprehensive view of Roman society. “Daily life in Rome was a blend of tradition, innovation, and complexity.”

Daily Life in Rome

Rome’s legacy endures in various aspects of modern life. Beard discusses the cultural, architectural, legal, and political influences that Rome has left on the world, underscoring its lasting impact. “Rome’s influence transcends time, shaping the world in countless ways.”

The Legacy of Rome

Mary Beard begins by exploring the mythical origins of Rome, founded by Romulus and Remus. She delves into how these legends shaped the city’s identity and set the stage for Rome’s future grandeur. “The story of Romulus and Remus is as much about what Romans wanted to believe about themselves as about what actually happened.”

The Founding of Rome

Rome’s history is a tale of remarkable resilience and adaptability, a city that continually reinvented itself.

“Understanding Rome is essential to understanding the roots of Western civilization.”

The establishment of the Roman Republic marked a shift from monarchy to a complex system of checks and balances. Beard discusses how the Republic’s institutions and values, such as the emphasis on civic duty and the rule of law, laid the groundwork for Rome’s expansion. “The Republic was built on a foundation of shared power and collective decision-making.”

The Republic’s Rise

Rome’s social hierarchy was complex and rigid. Beard examines the roles and statuses of different social classes, from the patricians and plebeians to slaves and freedmen, and how these dynamics influenced Roman life and politics. “Social status in Rome dictated not just one’s privileges but also one’s responsibilities.”

The Social Structure

Despite the Senate’s dominance, the Roman people had significant power. Beard explores the role of the assemblies, tribunes, and public opinion in shaping Roman politics and society. “The voice of the people was a critical, if sometimes overlooked, force in Roman governance.”

The Power of the People

The shift from Republic to Empire brought a new form of leadership. Beard examines the reigns of early emperors like Augustus, their consolidation of power, and the impact on Roman governance and society. “The emperors redefined leadership, blending autocracy with traditional Roman values.”

The Rise of Emperors

The fall of Rome remains a subject of fascination and debate. Beard addresses the factors that led to the Empire’s decline, including economic troubles, military defeats, and internal decay, and the enduring question of why Rome fell. “The fall of Rome is a story of decline and transformation, not just an end but a beginning of a new era.”

The Fall of Rome

Religion was integral to Roman life. Beard explores the pantheon of gods, religious practices, and the integration of myth into public and private life, highlighting the connection between religion and state. “Religion in Rome was not just a belief system but a cornerstone of civic life.”

Religion & Mythology

The Punic Wars were pivotal in Rome’s rise to dominance. Beard details the conflicts with Carthage, focusing on key figures like Hannibal and Scipio Africanus, and how these wars transformed Rome into a Mediterranean powerhouse. “The Punic Wars were as much about defining Rome’s identity as about expanding its territory.”

The Punic Wars

Internal strife and power struggles marked the decline of the Republic. Beard analyzes the roles of key figures like Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Cicero in the Republic’s downfall and the transition to imperial rule. “The Republic’s end was as dramatic as its rise, driven by ambition, conflict, and change.”

The Decline of the Republic

The Senate was the heart of Roman political life. Beard explains its functions, influence, and how it maintained stability and order. She also highlights the conflicts and power struggles within the Senate that shaped Roman policies and governance. “The Senate was both a stabilizing force and a battleground for power and influence.”

The Role of the Senate

Rome’s territorial expansion was relentless and strategic. Beard discusses the methods of conquest, integration of new territories, and the impact of expansion on Roman culture and society. “Expansion brought wealth, diversity, and challenges, reshaping Rome at every turn.”

The Expansion of Rome

Explore the rise, reign, and legacy of Rome in Mary Beard’s “SPQR,” where the city’s history is brought to life through its legends, politics, and enduring influence.

New York Times Bestseller A New York Times Notable Book Named one of the Best Books of the Year by the Wall Street Journal, the Economist, Foreign Affairs, and Kirkus Reviews Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award (Nonfiction) Shortlisted for the Cundill Prize in Historical Literature Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize (History) A San Francisco Chronicle Holiday Gift Guide Selection A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice Selection 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).   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). Hailed by critics as animating "the grand sweep and the intimate details that bring the distant past vividly to life" (Economist) in a way that makes "your hair stand on end" (Christian Science Monitor) and spanning nearly a thousand years of history, this "highly informative, highly readable" (Dallas Morning News) work examines not just how we think of ancient Rome but challenges the comfortable historical perspectives that have existed for centuries. With its nuanced attention to class, democratic struggles, and the lives of entire groups of people omitted from the historical narrative for centuries, SPQR will to shape our view of Roman history for decades to come.

MARY BEARD

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