Family In Ancient Rome - Softcover

Rawson, Beryl (ed)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415079969 ISBN 13: 9780415079969

Publisher: Routledge, 1992

Synopsis

Little has been published on the Roman family, a subject of central importance to political as well as social history. It was the family that determined political power; it was within the family that the distinctive relationships of one citizen to another were forged and exemplified. "The Family in Ancient Rome" provides an overview of the state of research by presenting some of the most important work being done in this area. Besides surveying the literature on all aspects of the Roman family, the book begins with a general picture of the main features of the family. More specialized studies deal with the legal evidence, wills and property rights which were of particular importance for the position of women; the link between property and disposition, dowry and divorce; the authority of the male head of the household and its links with political power; the relationships within unions of persons of different status (eg. slave and free) and the effect on children; and with the rearing of, and attitudes to children.

About this title

Review

"Few studies before have covered such a wide range of topics in Roman family history--from wet nurses to Vestal Virgins, from foster-children to the property rights of women. . . . The most interesting and useful contributions are those concerned with legal status within the Roman family and particularly with the rights of women."--Times Literary Supplement

"This book is a major contribution to both the field of women's studies and the social history of the ancient world."--Choice

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415079969
• ISBN 13: 9780415079969
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 296