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Rome Vast Quote by Mary Beard

“In 63 BCE the city of Rome was a vast metropolis of more than a million inhabitants, larger than any other in Europe before the nineteenth century;” quote by Mary Beard
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““In 63 BCE the city of Rome was a vast metropolis of more than a million inhabitants, larger than any other in Europe before the nineteenth century;””

Mary Beard

About This Quote

Source Book: SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome, 2015

Rome’s population in 63 BCE was unprecedented, making it the largest European city until the 1800s.

In simple terms: Ancient Rome was huge for its time.

Key Takeaway

Recognize Rome’s historic urban scale.

Themes

history urbanization demographics

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

historical educational

When to use this quote

  • historical lecture
  • urban planning study
  • comparative analysis

Key Concepts

population growth city development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How did Rome’s size affect its politics?
  • What parallels exist with modern megacities?
A Different Perspective

Ancient population estimates can be uncertain.

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