The Family in Ancient Rome: New Perspectives

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.

In addition to a survey of 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 essays deal with the legal evidence, wills and property rights which were of particular importance for the position of women; with the link between property disposition, dowry, and divorce; with the authority of the male head of the household and its relation to political power; with the status of children born of unions between slaves and citizen; and with the rearing of, and attitudes toward, children.

Contributors: Edyth Binkowski; Ian Blayney; Keith R. Bradley; J. A. Crook; Suzanne Dixon; W. K. Lacey; Beryl Rawson; P. R. C. Weaver

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

"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."