Citizenship in Antiquity: Civic Communities in the Ancient Mediterranean

Citizenship in Antiquity explores the multifaceted and changing dimensions of citizenship in the ancient Mediterranean from the second millennium BCE to the first millennium CE, adopting a multidisciplinary and comparative perspective. The book covers various periods and regions, including the Ancient Near East, Greek and Hellenistic worlds, pre-Roman North Africa, Roman Empire, and modernity, and explores the manifold meanings and ways of defining the concept and practices of citizenship and belonging in ancient societies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 726 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Citizenship in Antiquity is a groundbreaking work that brings together scholars from various disciplines to explore the multifaceted and evolving dimensions of citizenship in the ancient Mediterranean, spanning from the second millennium BCE to the first millennium CE. This multidisciplinary and comparative approach seeks to understand the diverse ways in which citizenship was conceptualized and practiced in different regions and periods.

The book's chapters cover a wide range of periods and regions, including the Ancient Near East, the Greek and Hellenistic worlds, pre-Roman North Africa, the Roman Empire, and its continuations. Contributors employ various contemporary theories to examine the meanings and practices of citizenship, belonging, and non-citizenship in ancient societies. They demonstrate how these identifications were subject to discursive redefinitions and manipulation, reflecting the complex and dynamic nature of citizenship in antiquity.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the relationship between citizenship and belonging. Whether citizenship was defined by territorial belonging, blood descent, privileged access to resources, or participation in communal decision-making, it always involved a sense of group belonging. However, these identifications were not fixed or universal, and they could be contested, redefined, or manipulated. Citizenship could be acquired through various means, such as birthright, purchase, or even faking, and it could be revoked or denied.

The volume also sheds light on the varying shades and degrees of citizenship. Citizenship could be a highly exclusive privilege reserved for a select few, or it could be more inclusive, encompassing a broader segment of the population. Moreover, citizenship could be subject to constant redefinition and reinterpretation as societies evolved and changed.

By examining citizenship in different areas of the Mediterranean over the course of antiquity, the book contributes to an ongoing and relevant discourse on citizenship. It offers valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of this concept and its impact on society, politics, and culture. Citizenship in Antiquity is a valuable resource for students and scholars of citizenship, politics, and society in the ancient Mediterranean world, as well as those interested in comparative studies of citizenship throughout history.

The book's chapters are well-organized and accessible, making it an excellent resource for both undergraduate and graduate students. The inclusion of free chapters 47 and 48 as a downloadable Open Access PDF further enhances its accessibility and usefulness.

In conclusion, Citizenship in Antiquity is a groundbreaking work that provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of citizenship in the ancient Mediterranean. By adopting a comparative approach, the book sheds light on the diverse ways in which citizenship was conceptualized and practiced, challenging traditional narratives and offering new insights into the complex and dynamic nature of this concept. This volume is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the study of citizenship and its historical development.

Weight: 1550g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367687113