Women and Law in Late Antiquity

Zusatztext A provocative new book . Arjava's book should stimulate discussion and reconsideration of the legal culture of late antiquity. The ideas of his book deserve respectful consideration from scholars who wish to understand the the place of women in late ancient society. - James Brundage - Speculum - A Journal of Medieval Studies - Jan 1999 Klappentext This book explores the legal and social position of women in the west from classical antiquity through the early middle ages. Arjava argues that from the viewpoint of most women! late antiquity was not a period of radical change! and that the influence of Christianity on the social position of women has often been exaggerated. It was only after the fall of the western empire that a new legal system and a new social world emerged. Zusammenfassung This is the first comprehensive account of women's legal and social positions in the west from classical antiquity right through to the early middle ages. The main focus of the book is on the late antique period, with constant reference to classical Roman law and the lives of women in the early empire. The book goes on to follow women's history up to the seventh century, thus bridging the notorious gap of the 'dark ages'. Major themes include daughters' succession rights; the independence of married women; sexual relations outside marriage; divorce; remarriage; and the general legal capacity of women. Antti Arjava argues that from the viewpoint of most women, late antiquity was not a period of radical change. In particular, the influence of Christianity has often been considerably exaggerated. It was only after the fall of the Western empire that a new legal system and a new social world emerged.

Product details

• Authors: Antti Arjava, Antti (Lecturer in the Department of Class Arjava, Arjava Antti
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.03.1998
• EAN: 9780198152330
• ISBN: 978-0-19-815233-0
• No. of pages: 320
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > General, dictionaries; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories; Europe, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Women's Studies, LAW / General, HISTORY / Ancient / General, HISTORY / World, HISTORY / Women, General & world history, Ancient History, Gender studies: women, General and world history, c 500 to c 1000 CE, Ancient history: to c 500 CE, Gender studies: women and girls, BCE to c 500 CE, C 500 CE To C 1000 CE, BCE period – Protohistory, Roman law, Systems of law: Roman law