to extend citizenship to all the free inhabitants of its borders, some 30 million people. The volume ranges from Rome’s earliest days to Emperor Caracalla’s decision in 212 C.E. But coming from her, it serves as an assertive reminder: Pay attention to this chunk of history its questions and problems are still playing out today.īeard’s new book is SPQR, that is, “Senatus Populusque Romanus,” or “The Senate and People of Rome,” an abbreviation that still emblazons trash cans and manhole covers in the city today. The classicist Mary Beard may be the only writer who could get away with the pithy first line of her new book: “Ancient Rome is important.” Coming from a less preeminent figure, it might seem utterly, boringly obvious.
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