Patriarchy, Property and Death in the Roman Family

Richard P Saller author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:28th Nov '96

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Patriarchy, Property and Death in the Roman Family cover

This innovative study of the patriarchy belies the accepted notion of the father figure as tyrannical and exploitative.

The figure of the Roman father has traditionally provided the pattern of patriarchy in European thought. This book shows how the social realities and cultural representations diverged from this paradigm. Demographic analysis and computer simulation demonstrate that before adulthood most Romans lost their fathers by death. Close reading of Latin texts reveals Roman fathers as devoted and loving and not harsh exploitative masters of slaves. The demographic and cultural contexts deepen our understanding of how the patrimony was transmitted.

' … a remarkable book, impressive in its command of diverse materials and methodologies and certain to inspire further advances'. The American Historical Review

ISBN: 9780521599788

Dimensions: 226mm x 152mm x 18mm

Weight: 363g

268 pages