Consent and Coercion to Sex and Marriage in Ancient and Medieval Societies (Dumbarton Oaks Research Library & collection) (Dumbarton Oaks Other Titles in Byzantine Studies) - Softcover

Laiou, Angeliki

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0884022625 ISBN 13: 9780884022626

Publisher: Harvard University Press, 1998

Synopsis

The nine studies collected here deal with Ancient Greece and Rome, the Byzantine Empire, and Western Medieval Europe. It is thus possible to see different approaches on the part of these societies, and also a certain evolution, in which Christianity played an important and subtle role. Other concepts, such as honor and shame, are also examined. The approaches taken by the authors are as varied as the topics; a common thread is the interest in the relationship between law, ideology, and social practice, and the reflection of such issues in literature.

About this title

Synopsis:

This collection of essays addresses a number of questions regarding the role of consent in marriage and in sexual relations outside of marriage in ancient and medieval societies. Ranging from ancient Greece and Rome to the Byzantine Empire and Western Medieval Europe, the contributors examine rape, seduction, and the role of consent in establishing the punishment of one or both parties; the issue of marital debt and spousal rape; and the central question of what is percieved as coercion and what may be the validity of value of coerced consent. Other concepts, such as honour and shame, are also investigated.

About the Author:

Angeliki E. Laiou was Dumbarton Oaks Professor of Byzantine History at Harvard University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0884022625
• ISBN 13: 9780884022626
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 308