The Oxford Handbook of Social Relations in the Roman World (Oxford Handbooks) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 019937600X ISBN 13: 9780199376001

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2014

Synopsis

The study of Roman society and social relations blossomed in the 1970s. By now, we possess a very large literature on the individuals and groups that constituted the Roman community, and the various ways in which members of that community interacted. There simply is, however, no overview that takes into account the multifarious progress that has been made in the past thirty-odd years. The purpose of this handbook is twofold. On the one hand, it synthesizes what has heretofore been accomplished in this field. On the other hand, it attempts to configure the examination of Roman social relations in some new ways, and thereby indicates directions in which the discipline might now proceed.

The book opens with a substantial general introduction that portrays the current state of the field, indicates some avenues for further study, and provides the background necessary for the following chapters. It lays out what is now known about the historical development of Roman society and the essential structures of that community. In a second introductory article, Clifford Ando explains the chronological parameters of the handbook. The main body of the book is divided into the following six sections: 1) Mechanisms of Socialization (primary education, rhetorical education, family, law), 2) Mechanisms of Communication and Interaction, 3) Communal Contexts for Social Interaction, 4) Modes of Interpersonal Relations (friendship, patronage, hospitality, dining, funerals, benefactions, honor), 5) Societies Within the Roman Community (collegia, cults, Judaism, Christianity, the army), and 6) Marginalized Persons (slaves, women, children, prostitutes, actors and gladiators, bandits). The result is a unique, up-to-date, and comprehensive survey of ancient Roman society.

About this title

About the Author:

Michael Peachin is Professor of Classics, New York University

Review:

"The Oxford Handbook of Social Relations in the Roman World is a valuable guide to many directions in contemporary research, and both editor and authors are to be congratulated for providing an essential resource." --Classical Journal

"These are all wonderful essays that make the book a very rewarding read. This is a superb volume: both the editor and the contributors have to be congratulated for producing it!" --Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"Peachin introduces and edits an exemplary contribution to the current academic genre of handbooks/companions to topics/authors. Thirty-five internationally known scholars of Roman History contribute significant studies on a wide range of topics not well discussed in standard compendia on Roman literature and history. All students of Roman society, from undergraduate to scholars, will profitably and enjoyably read everything in this handbook. Highly Recommended." --CHOICE

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 019937600X
• ISBN 13: 9780199376001
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 756
• Editor: Peachin Michael