Mary Beard writes in a breezy, often anecdotal, style which makes her book both informative and entertaining. SPQR covers the history of ancient Rome from its founding by Romulus to the reign of Emperor Caracalla, who, in the year 202 A.D. granted Roman citizenship to the entire free male population of the empire. This is a very ambitious work and is well worth reading. Beard not only delves into the history of ancient Rome, but also has a lot to say about its sociology. She concerns herself not only with the famous personages but also with the lower classes and their lives, with long glimpses of what went on in the bars and eateries where the ordinary people hung out. In one such establishment in Pompeii, there was a frieze picturing seven notable Greek philosophers, but rather than discussing deep philosophical topics, they are depicted as giving scatological advice. She also writes extensively on the conditions of women, slaves and freed slaves.
Beard at times seems to have a cynical attitude toward the Romans; at least, toward the movers and shakers. For example, she says about the civil war between Caesar and Pompey: “The irony was that Pompey, their figurehead, was no less an autocrat than Caesar. Whichever side won, as Cicero again observed, the result was to be much the same: slavery for Rome. What came to be seen as a war between liberty and one man rule was really a war to choose between rival emperors.” Personally, I have a bit of difficulty swallowing this, because Pompey, as egotistical as he was, had ample opportunities to march on Rome and take over as dictator in the manner of Sulla and Caesar, but he never did. And if Cato the Younger, arguably the most obstinately principled notable in history, believed that Pompey had the same ambitions as Caesar to become an autocrat, we would have declared “plague on both your houses” and stayed home rather than followed Pompey into exile.
Beard relies on the writings of Cicero for much of her analysis, and she gives him extensive coverage in SPQR. This is understandable since more of Cicero’s writings have survived than any other writer of his time.
Beard has no liking for Augustus, and at one point refers to him as a “reptile.” She does make it very clear that he was a man of remarkable gifts, able to walk that tightrope of Roman power and gaining support of the Roman elite where his Great Uncle Julius Caesar failed to do so. It probably helped that the proscriptions of the second triumvirate killed off most of the opposition. Under Augustus’ rule the Senate ceased to be a governing body and turned into a sort of civil service. Any opposition that wasn’t killed off was bought off. She describes Augustus as “a poacher turned game keeper.”
Beard also makes the point that during the next two hundred years after the end of the Republic it didn’t really matter who the emperor was or whether he was “good” or “bad.” I need to take some issue with that notion as well. If an emperor was particularly rapacious, as in the case of Nero, it could cause considerable unrest in the provinces. It was Nero’s instructions to confiscate the lands and possessions of Prasutagus, the husband of Boudicca, upon his death, that led to Boudicca’s rebellion which destroyed three Roman cities and killed an estimated 70 to 80 thousand Romans and Britons. One wonders if the same thing would have happened under a less rapacious Emperor. One suspects that Nero’s rapaciousness was also one of the causes of the full scale revolt that took place in Judea toward the end of his reign. None of the 14 emperors during this period were really “good” by modern standards, but some were more rapacious than others, and the quality of the emperor did have an effect on the running of the empire.
SPQR is a meaty work with a lot of events, analysis and ideas to digest. It gives the reader a vivid insight into the various lives of the Romans, from emperor to slave.
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About the author
A Deep Dive into Roman History"
"SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome" by Mary Beard offers an expansive and nuanced exploration of one of history's most influential civilizations. As someone deeply interested in history, I approached this book with high expectations, intrigued by the promise of insights into the Roman Republic and Empire. While there were aspects of the book I appreciated, my overall experience was mixed.**Pros:**- **Comprehensive Coverage:** Beard does an exceptional job of covering a vast period, from the foundation of Rome in the 8th century BC to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD. Her ability to distill complex historical events into engaging narratives is commendable.- **Engaging Writing Style:** Beard's writing is both scholarly and accessible. She has a knack for bringing historical figures and events to life, making the reader feel as though they're witnessing history unfold.- **Thought-Provoking Analysis:** The book shines in its analysis of Roman society, politics, and culture. Beard challenges traditional narratives and invites readers to reconsider established assumptions about Rome's history and its impact on the modern world.**Cons:**- **Overwhelming Detail:** At times, the sheer amount of information and the dense presentation can be overwhelming, particularly for readers new to Roman history. Those looking for a light introduction might find SPQR a challenging starting point.- **Lack of Chronological Flow:** The book's thematic approach, while offering deep dives into specific aspects of Roman life, sometimes disrupts the chronological flow of history. This can make it difficult to follow the overall progression of Roman history.- **Limited Focus on Certain Periods:** While SPQR covers a broad timeline, certain periods and events receive less attention than others. Readers interested in specific epochs might find the coverage uneven.In conclusion, "SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome" is a compelling and deeply researched work that offers valuable insights into the complexities of Roman history. Mary Beard's expertise and passion for the subject are evident throughout. However, the book's density and thematic structure may not cater to all tastes, particularly those seeking a more straightforward chronological history or a lighter read. For those willing to engage with its depth and complexity, SPQR provides a rewarding exploration of ancient Rome's legacy.
Top reviews from other countries
Jimmy
One the great popular history books to come out of the recent years
Reviewed in Canada on April 5, 2024Tania
Great summary and explanation of history
Reviewed in Germany on April 7, 2024Ian
Great Read - A look behind the scenes of what you think you know about Rome
Reviewed in Australia on March 3, 2024