Marriage, Divorce, and Children in Ancient Rome

by Beryl Rawson (editor)

The family has played a central role in most societies, and the complexity and variety of that role demonstrates there is no single definition or pattern of "the family" in any society. Recent studies of ancient Rome have shown that the sentimental ideal of a core nuclear family was strong
throughout the period, but that reality often diverged from the ideal. This study examines many aspects of the composition and inner workings of the Roman family, and provides an illuminating case study of the sentimental ideal versus everyday reality. In addition, Rawson considers the effect of
divorce, high mortality rates, status, and fostering on the family in ancient Rome.

266 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Lanie Walkup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the collected essays on aspects of the Roman family, this one feels like a classic. It has the primary pioneers of studies on the Roman family (Dixon, rawson, saller, Bradley) and covers some of the more nuanced aspects of the Roman family (adoption, potestas, sentimentality) without venturing beyond the nuclear family topic.