Being a Roman Citizen Book

Jane Gardner's analysis of Roman law is specifically geared toward an audience of Roman historians. Along with legal texts and literary sources, Gardner makes use of epigraphic material, including recent finds from Popleii which reveal the legal system in action in the commercial life of Puteoli.Gardner further notes the obvious disparity of legal rights and duties among citizens of the empire: women, ex-slaves, adults with living fathers, convicted criminals, play-actors--even the blind, deaf, dumb and the mentally ill. Gardner examines in detail each group's particular legal disabilities as well as the effect these restrictions had on their daily existence. She also considers how these legal iniquities related to the distinctively Roman institution of patria potestas, and to the obligation of direct participation which was a legal requirement for most transactions.Read More