SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome

Rome's story remains one of history's most compelling yet misunderstood narratives. Many view ancient Rome through simplified lenses — either as a golden civilization or a brutal empire — missing the complex forces that created Western political foundations. Mary Beard's work dismantles these misconceptions by examining how violence and survival shaped Roman identity from its mythical origins, tracing the Republic's transformation through class struggles and civil wars, and revealing how social tensions drove the transition to imperial rule. This short demonstrates how Rome balanced contradictory forces of freedom against tyranny and inclusion against exploitation, creating lasting institutions that continue to influence modern democracy, law, and governance.