A lot pf people say that young people just watch social media and don't do anything. That they are lazy and still upset. Everybody should have his own opinion but I'll tell you mine.

Young People

What do I think? In my opinion teenagers aren't lazy. I think that they just do what older generation couldn't. They can say anything they want, they can travel anywhere they want. I think they just can do more things and they have more rights.

More Rights

Of course some lazy teenagers exist. Many lazy people existed sooner, too. In my opinion some older people say that world is becoming worse and worse but every generation says that. But not everybody thinks that, of course. But I think people are still the same.

Lazy Teenagers

I don't think so. They just don't have to show they need rights. Why would they show it? Rights exist so they don't have to ask for it. Of course some young people aren't glad for it enough but they didn't experience anything like the older generation.

Teenagers Aren't Glad Enough for Their Rights

In my opinion social media isn't a problem. People can communicate with others and show them what are they doing and how they feel. If someone uses social media not too much, it's ok. Sometimes they exaggerate it but not all of them. If they don't spend too much time whatching reels on Instagram or videos on YouTube, it's ok. If they use it too much, it's a problem.

Social Media- Problem of Teenagers?

I think it's very well that young people can do anything they want and makes them feel good. Everybody can do what he wants . I'm glad that young people don't have to experience the same as older ganerations.

The Result

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

philosophy

Philosophy

problemsolving

Problem Solving

artsandculture

Society, Arts & Culture

Young people

“Vengeance does not dull pain. It sustains it... forever.”

“Ain't no such thing as civilized. It's man so in love with greed, he has forgotten himself and found only appetites.”

Reliance upon others is a weakness for the strong but strength for the weak. Wisdom and balance lie in knowing your nature over time.

“Hatred and prejudice will never be eradicated. And the witch hunts will never be about witches. To have a scapegoat, that's the key.”

“It's a funny thing, ambition. It can take one to sublime heights or harrowing depths. And sometimes they are one and the same.”

“But I’ve realized now… as long as I’m bein’ myself, I’ll always have somewhere I can fit in.”

“Time is a scary thing. When you lose it, you can’t find it. When you want it, it’s not there. When you try to keep it, the hourglass turns itself around.”

“You don't have to save the world to find meaning in life... Sometimes, all you need is something simple, like someone to take care of.”

“It's more important to master the cards you're holding than to complain about the ones your opponents were dealt.”

“The more things change, the more they stay the same. Boundaries shift, new players step in; but power always finds a place to rest its head.”

“I survived because the fire inside burned brighter than the fire around me. I fell down into that dark chasm, but the flame burned on and on.”

“The people never have the power, only the illusion of it. And here is the real secret: they don't want it. The responsibility is too great to bear. It's why they are so quick to fall in line as soon as someone else takes charge. They WANT to be told what to do. They YEARN for it. Little wonder that, since all mankind was BUILD to SERVE.”

Enjoy reading and stash this part II of the series! 

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

movies

Movies & Shows

entertainment

Entertainment

videos

Videos

Badass quotes from Video games pt. 2!

1.	Rin’s Humble Beginnings	2.	The Keju Examination	3.	Admission to Sinegard Academy	4.	Struggles and Discrimination	5.	Discovering Shamanic Abilities	6.	Training Under Jiang	7.	War with the Federation of Mugen	8.	The Siege of Khurdalain	9.	Commanding the Cike	10.	The Ankhiluun Massacre	11.	The Role of the Pantheon	12.	Rin’s Relationship with Altan	13.	The Destruction of Speer	14.	Betrayal and Revenge	15.	Embracing the Phoenix	16.	The Aftermath of War	17.	Rin’s Transformation

Topics You’ll Master Today

Rin, a war orphan, is adopted by an abusive family of opium dealers in the Rooster Province. Desperate to escape her grim future, she studies rigorously for the Keju, the empire-wide examination. 	“War orphan. Opium peddler. Rural peasant. Sinegard cadet.”

Rin’s Humble Beginnings

Rin’s dedication pays off when she aces the Keju exam, securing a place at the prestigious Sinegard Academy. This achievement marks the beginning of her transformative journey. 	“She had passed the Keju. She had left her village. She was at Sinegard.”

The Keju Examination

At Sinegard, Rin faces severe discrimination due to her dark skin and peasant background. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to succeed and prove her worth. 	“She was nobody, but she had worked and fought and bled to get there.”

Admission to Sinegard Academy

Rin’s struggles intensify as she deals with elitism and harsh training. Her resilience and fierce determination set her apart from her peers. “She had to prove to herself that she belonged there.”

Struggles & Discrimination

Rin discovers her shamanic potential, which allows her to communicate with gods. She realizes she can channel the power of the Phoenix, a vengeful fire god. “The gods chose us because we are already mad.”

Discovering Shamanic Abilities

She trains under Jiang, an eccentric professor who helps her understand and control her shamanic abilities, though his methods are unconventional. 	“Jiang taught her to see the world not as it was, but as it could be.”

Training under Jiang

The Federation of Mugen invades Nikan, plunging the nation into war. Rin’s training is put to the test as she faces the brutal realities of combat. 	“War does not determine who is right—only who is left.”

War with the Federation of Mugen

Rin plays a crucial role in the defense of Khurdalain. The horrors of war leave her scarred and determined to end the conflict by any means necessary. 	“She would not let the Federation win. She would not let them take everything.”

The Siege of Khurdalain

Rin becomes the leader of the Cike, a group of shamanic warriors. Her leadership is tested as she grapples with the moral ambiguities of warfare. 	“To be a leader is to choose who lives and who dies.”

Commanding the Cike

Rin witnesses the massacre at Ankhiluun, a traumatic event that deepens her hatred for the Federation and solidifies her resolve to seek vengeance. 	“The price of vengeance was always blood.”

The Ankhilunn Massacre

The Pantheon, a council of gods, influences the world of mortals. Rin’s interactions with the gods reveal the complex and often destructive nature of divine power. 	“The gods were not benevolent. They were weapons of mass destruction.”

The Role of the Pantheon

Rin’s complex relationship with Altan, the last of the Speerlies, shapes much of her journey. Their bond is marked by both deep connection and intense conflict. 	“Altan was her anchor and her abyss.”

Rin’s Relationship with Altan

Rin learns about the destruction of Speer by the Federation, fueling her rage and desire for retribution. This event becomes a driving force in her quest for power. 	“Speer was gone, but its fire still burned within her.”

The Destruction of Speer

Rin faces betrayal from those she trusts, leading her to embrace darker aspects of her power. Her quest for revenge becomes all-consuming. 	“Betrayal was the truest form of loyalty in a world at war.”

Betrayal & Revenge

Rin fully embraces the Phoenix’s power, despite the destructive consequences. Her transformation is complete as she becomes a force of vengeance. 	“To summon the Phoenix was to court madness, but she had no other choice.”

Embracing the Phoneix

The war’s end leaves Nikan in ruins and Rin grappling with the cost of her actions. Her journey reveals the devastating impact of absolute power. 	“Victory came at the price of her soul.”

The Aftermath of War

Rin’s journey transforms her from a powerless peasant into a powerful shaman and leader. Her story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and the haunting consequences of power. 	“She was the warlord now, and her enemies would burn.”

Rin’s Transformation

<ol><li>Transformation Journey: Rin’s journey from a powerless war orphan to a powerful shaman and leader is central to the narrative.</li></ol>	2.	Overcoming Adversity: Her success in the Keju & struggles at Sinegard highlight her determination to overcome barriers.	3.	Embracing Power: Discovering & mastering her shamanic abilities showcases her growth and the cost of power.	4.	Leadership Challenges: Leading the Cike & facing moral dilemmas reflect the complexities of leadership in wartime.	5.	Impact of War: The brutal realities and traumas of war deeply affect Rin, driving her actions & decisions.

6.	Vengeance and Betrayal: Themes of vengeance and betrayal underscore the personal and political conflicts Rin navigates.	7.	Divine Influence: Interactions with the Pantheon reveal the destructive nature of divine power.	8.	Complex Relationships: Her relationships, with Altan, shape her journey and show the cost of war.	9.	Consequences of Power: Embracing the Phoenix’s power leads to both triumph and devastation.	10.	Resilience and Sacrifice: Rin’s story is a testament to resilience and the sacrifices required to achieve and wield power, with a legacy marked by destruction & transformation.

A tale of magic, war, and power: journey with Rin as she transforms from orphan to powerful shaman.

“I have no doubt this will end up being the best fantasy debut of the year [...] I have absolutely no doubt that [Kuang’s] name will be up there with the likes of Robin Hobb and N.K. Jemisin.” -- BooknestA Library Journal, Paste Magazine, Vulture, BookBub, and ENTROPY Best Books pick!Washington Post "5 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Novel" pick!A Bustle "30 Best Fiction Books" pick!A brilliantly imaginative talent makes her exciting debut with this epic historical military fantasy, inspired by the bloody history of China’s twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic, in the tradition of Ken Liu’s Grace of Kings and N.K. Jemisin’s Inheritance Trilogy.When Rin aced the Keju—the Empire-wide test to find the most talented youth to learn at the Academies—it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who believed they’d finally be able to marry her off and further their criminal enterprise; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free of the servitude and despair that had made up her daily existence. That she got into Sinegard—the most elite military school in Nikan—was even more surprising.But surprises aren’t always good.Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Targeted from the outset by rival classmates for her color, poverty, and gender, Rin discovers she possesses a lethal, unearthly power—an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of a seemingly insane teacher and psychoactive substances, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive—and that mastering control over those powers could mean more than just surviving school.For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The militarily advanced Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most of the people are complacent to go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away . . .Rin’s shamanic powers may be the only way to save her people. But as she finds out more about the god that has chosen her, the vengeful Phoenix, she fears that winning the war may cost her humanity . . . and that it may already be too late.

history

History

writing

Reading & Writing

books

Books

R. F. Kuang

The Poppy War

In Plato's "Symposium," Apollodorus, a devoted follower of Socrates, recounts a conversation he had with Glaucon about a dinner party held in Athens over a decade earlier. Though Apollodorus wasn't present, his friend Eryximachus, who was also a student of Socrates, had attended. Eryximachus detailed the events of the symposium, where Socrates had invited him for a discussion on Love (Eros).

Apollodorus

Phaedrus, a young rhetorician argued that Love is one of the oldest and most venerable gods, revered for its profound influence. He believed Love inspires both pride and shame, emotions that drive individuals to noble deeds, such as sacrificing oneself for a loved one, which he argued is beneficial for society, especially in wartime.

The Speech Of Phaedrus

Pausanias distinguishing two types of Love:Common Love: physical and fleeting type of love, often driven by desire and is associated with temporary attractions and physical pleasure.Heavenly Love: This is the more intellectual and enduring form of love, which is focused on the mind and soul. It involves a deeper connection and is characterized by mutual respect and the pursuit of intellectual and moral development.Pausanias argues that while Common Love is important, it is Heavenly Love that should be celebrated and aspired to, as it leads to a more virtuous and fulfilling relationship.

The Speech Of Pausanais

Eryximachus, a physician, offered a medical perspective on Love. He discussed its effects on health, harmony, and balance in the body, as well as its influence on music, weather, and divine relationships. Eryximachus highlighted how Love maintains cosmic and human order.

The Speech Of Eryximachus

Aristophanes, the comic playwright, presented a mythological account. He described early humans as originally whole beings, either male or female, who were split in half by Zeus as punishment. Since then, individuals have sought their other halves through Love, explaining human attraction and the quest for companionship.

The Speech Of Aristophanes

Agathon, the host of the symposium, gave a highly praised speech celebrating Love as the youngest and most beautiful of the gods. He praised Love for its admirable qualities and its influence on all good things. However, his speech was more focused on the attributes of Love rather than a deep philosophical analysis.

The Speech Of Agathon

Socrates then engaged Agathon in a philosophical dialogue. Socrates challenged Agathon’s views by suggesting that Love cannot be a god because it is defined by its need for what it lacks.

Socrates' Objection

Socrates then presented Diotima’s views. According to Diotima, a learned woman, Love is not a deity but a daimon, a spirit that exists between humans and gods.Diotima explained that Love’s role is to give birth to beauty in both the mind and the body. True beauty, she argued, is eternal and unchanging. Diotima outlined a "ladder of ascent" in which the lover progresses from an appreciation of individual bodies to a broader understanding of universal beauty, culminating in the vision of the eternal Good.

The Speech Of Socrates

For wisdom is a most beautiful thing, and Love is of the beautiful; therefore, Love is also a philosopher or lover of wisdom, and being a lover of wisdom is in a mean between the wise and the ignorant.

Alcibiades, a prominent politician, arrived drunk and praised Socrates. He admired Socrates’ self-discipline and intellectual focus but found his lifestyle peculiar and difficult to emulate. Alcibiades’ praise, despite his inebriation, underscored Socrates’ remarkable qualities.

The Speech Of Alcibiades

The symposium eventually descended into chaos because of the effect of excessive drinking. The following morning, Socrates had brief conversations with Agathon and Aristophanes before retreating to live alone.

Ending

A fascinating discussion on sex, gender, and human instincts by one of history’s greatest philosophers.   In the course of a lively drinking party, a group of Athenian intellectuals exchange views on desire. From their conversation emerges a series of subtle reflections on gender roles, sex in society, and basic human instincts. The debate precedes one great after another: Agathon, Aristodemus, Eryximachus, Pausanias, Aristophanes, and Socrates—all describing love in many possible permutations and combinations. The dialogue culminates in a radical challenge to conventional views by Plato’s mentor, Socrates, who advocates transcendence through spiritual love. The Symposium is a deft interweaving of different viewpoints and ideas about the nature of love.

politics

Politics

Plato

Symposium

1.	The Late Republic Crisis	2.	The Gracchi Brothers	3.	The Rise of Populism	4.	Military Reforms	5.	Social and Economic Inequality	6.	The Jugurthine War	7.	The Rise of Marius	8.	The Social War	9.	The Rise of Sulla	10.	Sulla’s Reforms and Dictatorship	11.	Political Corruption and Violence	12.	The Prelude to Civil War	13.	Lessons from History

The story of the late Roman Republic is one of resilience in the face of crisis, but also of the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Mike Duncan opens by detailing the complex socio-political landscape of Rome during the Late Republic. He explains how economic disparity, political corruption, and the erosion of traditional values contributed to a period of instability and conflict. “Rome in the late Republic was a society teetering on the brink, struggling with internal discord and the pressures of expansion.”

The Late Republic Crisis

The Gracchi brothers, Tiberius and Gaius, are central figures in the early stages of the Republic’s crisis. Duncan explores their reform efforts aimed at addressing land distribution and wealth inequality, and how their eventual murders signaled the violent turn in Roman politics. “The Gracchi brothers’ attempts to reform Rome were met with fierce resistance, highlighting the entrenched power of the elite.”

The Gracchi Brothers

The emergence of populist leaders who sought to appeal directly to the masses marked a significant shift. Duncan discusses how these leaders, including figures like Gaius Marius, leveraged public discontent to gain political power, bypassing traditional senatorial authority. “Populism in Rome was both a symptom and a cause of the Republic’s unraveling, as leaders exploited popular unrest for personal gain.”

The Rise of Populism

Military reforms under Gaius Marius were transformative but also destabilizing. Duncan explains how Marius’ changes, including the recruitment of landless citizens and the promise of land rewards, altered the loyalty of soldiers from the state to their generals. “Marius’ reforms created armies more loyal to their generals than to Rome itself, setting a dangerous precedent.”

Military Reforms

The Gracchi brothers’ fate was a harbinger of the violence that would come to define Roman politics.

Duncan delves into the growing divide between Rome’s wealthy elite and its impoverished masses. He highlights how economic policies and exploitation by the rich exacerbated social tensions, contributing to the Republic’s instability. “The widening gap between rich and poor fueled resentment and unrest, undermining the foundations of the Republic.”

Social & Economic Inequality

The Jugurthine War exposed deep-seated corruption within the Roman political and military systems. Duncan narrates the story of how King Jugurtha of Numidia used bribery and manipulation to thwart Roman efforts, illustrating the moral decay of Rome’s leadership. “Jugurtha’s ability to buy Roman officials showcased the pervasive corruption that plagued the Republic.”

The Jugurthine War

Gaius Marius’ rise to power was marked by military prowess and political maneuvering. Duncan explores how Marius capitalized on his military successes to challenge the traditional aristocracy, becoming a symbol of both hope and fear. “Marius embodied the potential for meritocratic advancement, but also the dangers of military dominance in politics.”

The Rise of Marius

The Social War (91-88 BC) was a critical conflict between Rome and its Italian allies who demanded citizenship and equal rights. Duncan details the causes, key battles, and consequences of this war, emphasizing its role in weakening the Republic. “The Social War highlighted the Republic’s failure to integrate its allies, leading to widespread bloodshed and political upheaval.”

The Social War

Lucius Cornelius Sulla’s rise was characterized by ruthless ambition and unprecedented violence. Duncan examines Sulla’s march on Rome, his proscriptions, and his eventual dictatorship, which set dangerous precedents for future leaders. “Sulla’s reign of terror demonstrated the lengths to which individuals would go to seize and maintain power.”

The Rise of Sulla

Sulla’s reforms aimed to restore senatorial authority and curb populist influences. Duncan analyzes these measures, their implementation, and their ultimate failure to stabilize the Republic in the long term. “Sulla’s attempts to rewind the clock to a more stable era were undone by the very forces of change he sought to suppress.”

Sulla’s Reforms & Dictatorship

The political culture of the late Republic became increasingly violent and corrupt. Duncan provides vivid accounts of electoral bribery, assassinations, and the use of mob violence to achieve political ends. “The Republic’s descent into chaos was marked by the normalization of corruption and brutality in political life.”

Political Corruption & Violence

Duncan sets the stage for the imminent civil wars by examining the rivalries and conflicts that followed Sulla’s death. He discusses the roles of key figures like Pompey, Crassus, and Julius Caesar in escalating tensions. “The power struggles that followed Sulla’s death paved the way for the bloody conflicts that would end the Republic.”

The Prelude To Civil War

The book concludes with reflections on the lessons modern societies can learn from the Republic’s fall. Duncan emphasizes the importance of addressing inequality, maintaining the integrity of institutions, and avoiding the allure of populist solutions to complex problems. “The storm before the fall of the Roman Republic serves as a cautionary tale for all ages, reminding us of the fragility of democratic institutions.”

Lessons From History

Sulla’s dictatorship was a pivotal moment, revealing the depths of Rome’s internal divisions and the lengths to which power could corrupt.

Discover the turbulent years leading to the fall of the Roman Republic in Mike Duncan’s “The Storm Before the Storm,” where ambition, reform, and violence shaped the fate of a civilization.

From the creator of the award-winning podcast series The History of Rome and Revolutions comes the "remarkably engaging" (Washington Post) history of the bloody battles, political machinations, and human drama that set the stage for the fall of the Roman Republic. The Roman Republic was one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of civilization. Beginning as a small city-state in central Italy, Rome gradually expanded into a wider world filled with petty tyrants, barbarian chieftains, and despotic kings. Through the centuries, Rome's model of cooperative and participatory government remained remarkably durable and unmatched in the history of the ancient world. In 146 BC, Rome finally emerged as the strongest power in the Mediterranean. But the very success of the Republic proved to be its undoing. The republican system was unable to cope with the vast empire Rome now ruled: rising economic inequality disrupted traditional ways of life, endemic social and ethnic prejudice led to clashes over citizenship and voting rights, and rampant corruption and ruthless ambition sparked violent political clashes that cracked the once indestructible foundations of the Republic. Chronicling the years 146-78 BC, The Storm Before the Storm dives headlong into the first generation to face this treacherous new political environment. Abandoning the ancient principles of their forbearers, men like Marius, Sulla, and the Gracchi brothers set dangerous new precedents that would start the Republic on the road to destruction and provide a stark warning about what can happen to a civilization that has lost its way.

Mike Duncan

The Storm Before the Storm

1.	The Eruption of Vesuvius	2.	Rediscovery and Excavation	3.	Daily Life in Pompeii	4.	The Social Structure	5.	Housing and Architecture	6.	Commerce and Economy	7.	Art and Culture	8.	Religion and Rituals	9.	Public Entertainment	10.	Health and Medicine	11.	Water and Sanitation	12.	The Role of Women	13.	The Legacy of Pompeii

Pompeii is a unique snapshot of Roman life, frozen in a moment of catastrophe.

Mary Beard begins with the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD that buried Pompeii. She describes the timeline of the eruption, the impact on the city, and the immediate aftermath. “The eruption of Vesuvius was a sudden and devastating event that preserved a moment in time.”

The Eruption of Vesuvius

The rediscovery of Pompeii in the 18th century sparked intense interest in archaeology. Beard discusses the history of the excavations, the methods used, and the challenges faced in unearthing the city. “Pompeii’s rediscovery opened a window into the ancient world, captivating generations of scholars and the public.”

Rediscovery & Excavation

Beard paints a vivid picture of daily life in Pompeii, from the bustling markets to quiet domestic moments. She explores the routines and activities that defined everyday existence in the city. “Pompeii offers an unparalleled glimpse into the ordinary lives of its inhabitants.”

Daily Life in Pompei

Pompeii’s society was complex and stratified. Beard examines the roles and statuses of different social classes, including the elite, the freedmen, and the slaves, and how these dynamics shaped the city. “Social hierarchy in Pompeii was evident in every aspect of life, from housing to public spaces.”

The Social Structure

The architecture of Pompeii, from grand villas to modest homes, reveals much about its residents. Beard discusses the design, decoration, and function of these spaces, highlighting their significance in understanding Roman domestic life. “The homes of Pompeii reflect a society that valued both privacy and social display.”

Housing & Structure

Trade and commerce were vital to Pompeii’s economy. Beard explores the marketplaces, shops, and businesses that thrived in the city, as well as the goods traded and the economic interactions with the wider Roman world. “Pompeii was a bustling economic hub, with commerce woven into the fabric of daily life.”

Commerce & Economy

The ruins of Pompeii tell stories of everyday lives, aspirations, and the abrupt end brought by Vesuvius.

Pompeii was rich in art and cultural expression. Beard delves into the frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures that adorned the city, and the cultural activities that defined its public and private life. “Art in Pompeii was not just decorative but a vital part of cultural identity and expression.”

Art & Culture

Religion permeated every aspect of life in Pompeii. Beard examines the temples, shrines, and religious practices, exploring the importance of both public and private worship in the city’s social fabric. “Religious life in Pompeii was a blend of traditional Roman practices and local customs.”

Religion & Rituals

Entertainment was a cornerstone of Pompeian society. Beard highlights the amphitheaters, theaters, and public baths that provided venues for leisure and socialization, reflecting the city’s vibrant public life. “Public entertainment in Pompeii was a reflection of the city’s communal spirit and cultural priorities.”

Public Entertainment

Health and medical practices in Pompeii were a mix of science and superstition. Beard discusses the medical knowledge of the time, common ailments, and the role of physicians and healers. “Pompeian health practices offer insight into the medical understanding and challenges of ancient Rome.”

Health & Medicine

Pompeii had advanced water and sanitation systems for its time. Beard examines the aqueducts, fountains, and sewage systems that ensured the city’s hygiene and public health. “The infrastructure of Pompeii was a testament to Roman engineering and urban planning.”

Water & Sanitation

Women in Pompeii played varied and vital roles. Beard explores their participation in family, economic, and religious life, highlighting both the freedoms and restrictions they experienced. “Women in Pompeii navigated a complex landscape of societal expectations and opportunities.”

The Role of Women

The preservation of Pompeii offers a unique legacy for historical and archaeological study. Beard reflects on what Pompeii has taught us about Roman life, its influence on modern culture, and the ongoing efforts to preserve the site. “Pompeii’s legacy is a living connection to the past, continuously informing and inspiring.”

The Legacy of Pompei

Understanding Pompeii is to understand the resilience and complexity of Roman urban society.

Uncover the vibrant life and sudden demise of an ancient city in Mary Beard’s “Pompeii,” where everyday life, social structures, and cultural riches come to light

WINNER OF THE WOLFSON HISTORY PRIZE 2008 'The world's most controversial classicist debunks our movie-style myths about the Roman town with meticulous scholarship and propulsive energy' Laura Silverman, Daily Mail The ruins of Pompeii, buried by an explosion of Vesuvius in 79 CE, offer the best evidence we have of everyday life in the Roman empire. This remarkable book rises to the challenge of making sense of those remains, as well as exploding many myths: the very date of the eruption, probably a few months later than usually thought; or the hygiene of the baths which must have been hotbeds of germs; or the legendary number of brothels, most likely only one; or the massive death count, maybe less than ten per cent of the population. An extraordinary and involving portrait of an ancient town, its life and its continuing re-discovery, by Britain's favourite classicist.

Mary Beard

Pompeii

<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

Topics You Will Master Today

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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.

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

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Young people

Badass quotes from Video games pt. 2!

The Poppy War

Symposium

The Storm Before the Storm

Pompeii

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

The Sixth Extinction

The House in the Cerulean Sea

The Secret History of Mongols

It's time to
Read like a Pro.

Young people

Badass quotes from Video games pt. 2!

The Poppy War

Symposium

The Storm Before the Storm

Pompeii

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

The Sixth Extinction

The House in the Cerulean Sea

The Secret History of Mongols

It's time to Read like a Pro.

It's time to
Read like a Pro.