Roman families were infinitely diverse, but the basis of Roman civil law was the familia, a strictly-defined group consisting of a head, paterfamilias, and his

Publisher description

This second edition examines all aspects of Roman history, and contains a new introduction, three new chapters and updated bibliographies.

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

Brings together what historians, anthropologists, and philologists have learned about the family in ancient Rome. Among the topics: family relations and the law