SPQR

Synopsis

Mary Beard's new book Emperor of Rome is available now Ancient Rome matters. Its history of empire, conquest, cruelty and excess is something against which we still judge ourselves. Its myths and stories - from Romulus and Remus to the Rape of Lucretia - still strike a chord with us. And its debates about citizenship, security and the rights of the individual still influence our own debates on civil liberty today. SPQR is a new look at Roman history from one of the world's foremost classicists. 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. 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. SPQR is the Romans' own abbreviation for their state: Senatus Populusque Romanus, 'the Senate and People of Rome'.

Summary

Chapter 1: The City of Seven Hills

* Describes the founding of Rome and its legendary history.
* Real example: The Capitoline Hill is one of the city's seven hills and is said to have been the site of the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, the chief god of the Roman state.

Chapter 2: The Roman People

* Explores the social structure of Rome, including the patricians, plebians, and slaves.
* Real example: The patricians were the wealthy elite who held most of the power and privileges, while the plebians were the common people who eventually gained greater rights and influence.

Chapter 3: The Roman Republic

* Discusses the development of Rome's republican government, with its elected magistrates, Senate, and assemblies.
* Real example: The Roman Senate was a body of elder statesmen who advised the magistrates and played a significant role in shaping policy.

Chapter 4: The Roman Army

* Describes the organization, weaponry, and tactics of the Roman army, which became one of the most formidable in the ancient world.
* Real example: The legionaries were the backbone of the Roman army, trained to fight in close-knit formations known as maniples.

Chapter 5: The Roman Empire

* Traces the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, including its conquests, political upheavals, and eventual decline.
* Real example: The Pax Romana, or Roman Peace, refers to the period of stability and prosperity that Rome brought to its vast empire.

Chapter 6: The Roman Legacy

* Examines the lasting impact of Roman civilization on Western culture, from its laws and language to its art and architecture.
* Real example: Roman roads, aqueducts, and amphitheaters are still visible throughout Europe today.

Chapter 7: The Fall of the Roman Empire

* Analyzes the factors that led to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century CE.
* Real example: The rise of Christianity and the pressure from barbarian invasions played a significant role in the empire's decline.

Chapter 8: The Legacy of Rome

* Discusses the continued influence of Roman culture and institutions on Western civilization, even after the fall of the empire.
* Real example: The Roman Catholic Church, the legal systems of many countries, and the concept of citizenship are all rooted in Roman precedents.