Mary Beard's *SPQR* argues that ancient Rome's history of empire, conquest, cruelty, and excess remains a significant point of reference for contemporary self-judgment. The book examines how Rome grew from a small village into a vast empire spanning from Spain to Syria, while also investigating how Romans perceived themselves and their accomplishments. It covers 1,000 years of Roman history, illuminating fundamental aspects of their culture, such as slavery and running water, alongside complex issues like democracy, migration, religious controversy, social mobility, and exploitation within the empire.
The book aims to explain why ancient Rome continues to be relevant, exploring its enduring myths and stories and its influence on modern debates about citizenship, security, and individual rights. Readers gain an understanding of the Romans' own abbreviation for their state, "Senatus Populusque Romanus," meaning 'the Senate and People of Rome,' and how this concept shaped their identity and governance.
Key concepts
- Senatus Populusque Romanus — The Romans' own abbreviation for their state, meaning 'the Senate and People of Rome.'
- Roman Empire — The vast territory controlled by Rome, extending from Spain to Syria.
- Roman culture — Fundamental aspects of Roman life, including slavery and the implementation of running water systems.
- Citizenship — Debates surrounding the rights and status of individuals within the Roman state.
- Migration — The movement of people within and into the Roman Empire.
- Religious controversy — Disagreements and conflicts related to religious beliefs and practices in ancient Rome.