SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome in Senatus Populus Que Romanus

Nov 09, 2017 Adam Lofthouse rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Reading some negative reviews of this book and wondering how people can't love it? Yes, Mary throws comparisons to contemporary politicians and events, but isn't that kind of the joy of it? To read what was happening in the world over 2,000 years ago, and sit back and realise how history has a habit of repeating itself?

I loved this book, it takes you from the early republic right up to Rome's first millennium. It is at times sharp and witty, opinionated whilst full of knowledge. Highly recommen ...more

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May 13, 2024 Isaac McIntyre rated it really liked it

Shelves: rome, want-to-buy, history

Super interesting as a wider picture of Rome. Took a while to really get going then hit its stride once the Republic was fully constructed. Blasted past some of the more interesting and pivotal eras like Cicero, Caesar, Mark Antony, Augustus, Crassus, and Pompey a bit quicker than I would have liked—which I suppose is understandable when there's 1,000 years to cover. ...more

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Aug 22, 2017 Tom Allen rated it liked it

I respect Beard but the style of presentation troubled me. Beard truly immerses the reader in the times but then it makes me wonder when she asserts particular dates for events that preceded the existence of the Gregorian calendar. I do recommend the book nonetheless

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Aug 03, 2024 Liz rated it really liked it

If you're looking for a chronological history of Roman Emperors and their accomplishments, this is not the book for you. Instead, this is a deep dive into the culture of the first half of the Roman Empire and the implications of the political regime that ruled over it. Occasionally, the book's timeline is a little bit more difficult to follow, jumping back and forth a lot, but it is a very cohesive narrative nonetheless.

I think that this book should be a staple on anyone's bookshelf if they are ...more

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Aug 15, 2017 Danielle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: non-fiction, ancient-rome-and-greece, books-i-loved, books-that-changed-my-life, all-time-favourites

This is my second time reading this book, and it is just as insightful and incredible as I remembered. I'm not exaggerating when I say SPQR changed my life - it led to a lifelong love of Classics, and a specific interest in ancient Rome. I always adored this book because of the different ways it explored the Roman world; it talks about perspectives beyond the elite, it discusses how Rome still matters today, and it's such a delightful read. Truly one of the best history books I've ever read. ...more

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