Slavery in the Late Roman World, AD 275–425 - Softcover

Harper, Kyle

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1107640814 ISBN 13: 9781107640818

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2016

Synopsis

Capitalizing on the rich historical record of late antiquity, and employing sophisticated methodologies from social and economic history, this book reinterprets the end of Roman slavery. Kyle Harper challenges traditional interpretations of a transition from antiquity to the Middle Ages, arguing instead that a deep divide runs through 'late antiquity', separating the Roman slave system from its early medieval successors. In the process, he covers the economic, social and institutional dimensions of ancient slavery and presents the most comprehensive analytical treatment of a pre-modern slave system now available. By scouring the late antique record, he has uncovered a wealth of new material, providing fresh insights into the ancient slave system, including slavery's role in agriculture and textile production, its relation to sexual exploitation, and the dynamics of social honor. By demonstrating the vitality of slavery into the later Roman empire, the author shows that Christianity triumphed amidst a genuine slave society.

About this title

Book Description:

This book reinterprets the end of Roman slavery, providing the most comprehensive account of a pre-modern slave system currently available. Essential reading for students and scholars interested in the social, economic and religious history of antiquity, and for students of slavery in general.

About the Author:

Kyle Harper is Assistant Professor in the Department of Classics and Letters at the University of Oklahoma, where he teaches a range of courses on Greek and Roman civilization and the rise of Christianity. He has published articles on social and institutional aspects of later Roman history in the Journal of Roman Studies, Classical Quarterly and Historia.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1107640814
• ISBN 13: 9781107640818
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 626