Families in the Roman and Late Antique World

This volume seeks to explain developments within the structure of the family in antiquity, in particular in the later Roman Empire and late antiquity. Contributions extend the traditional chronological focus on the Roman family to include the transformation of familial structures in the newly formed kingdoms of late antiquity in Europe, thus allowing a greater historical perspective and establishing a new paradigm for the study of the Roman family. Drawing on the latest research by leading scholars in the field the book includes new approaches to the life course and the family in the Byzantine empire, family relationships in the dynasty of Constantine the Great, death, burial and commemoration of newborn children in Roman Italy, and widows and familial networks in Roman Egypt. In short, this volume seeks to establish a new agenda for the understanding of the Roman family and its transformation in late antiquity.

1. Introduction: Looking Forward - Harlow and Loven / 2. Pliny the Nephew: Youth and Family Ties Across Generations and Genders - Challet / 3. 'Vixit Plus Minus': Commemorating the Age of the Dead - Towards a Familial Roman Life Course? - Laurence and Trifilo / 4. 'No Part in Earthly Things': Death, Burial and Commemoration of Newborn Children and Infants in Roman Italy - Carroll / 5. The Representation of Physical Contact on Roman Tombstones - Mander / 6. Nieces and Nephews: An Epigraphic Approach - Armani / 7. A Bioarchaeological Perspective on the Pre-Adult Stages of the Life Course: Implications for the Care and Health of Children in the Roman Empire - Redfern and Gowland / 8. Roman Family Reliefs and the Commemoration of Work: Text, Images and Ideals - Loven / 9. Death and the Family: Widows and Divorcees in Roman Egypt - Pudsey / 10. Imperial Blood: Family Relationships in the Dynasty of Constantine the Great - Tougher / 11. Written in Stone: Gendered Ideals and the Byzantine Family - Davies / 12. Left-Over Romans: The Life Course in the Late Antique West - Callow and Harlow / 13. Fatherhood in Late Antique Gaul - Southon / Afterword - Kampen / Index.