Junian Latinity in the Roman Empire Volume 1: History, Law, Literature

This book provides a comprehensive multi-disciplinary study of Junian Latinity, the status held by formerly enslaved persons in the Roman Empire. It discusses the historical and legal developments of Junian Latinity from the Republic to Late Antiquity and combines authoritative surveys with cutting-edge arguments. It brings together leading researchers from history, law, and literature and offers new insights into the role of Junian Latinity in Roman imperial society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Junian Latinity, a complex and multifaceted status held by countless formerly enslaved individuals in the Roman Empire, has been the subject of extensive research in recent years. This book, the first of its kind in any language, offers a comprehensive multi-disciplinary exploration of Junian Latinity, shedding light on its historical, legal, and literary dimensions.

In the first part of the book, six chapters delve into the legal innovations that shaped Junian Latinity. These chapters examine the historical contexts in which the status was conceived and developed, from the late republican period to the early medieval world. By examining the legal frameworks that governed this group of individuals, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of Roman society and the ways in which slavery and manumission intersected with citizenship and legal status.

The second part of the book focuses on four key Latin literary texts that offer fresh perspectives on the role of Junian Latinity in Roman imperial society. These chapters analyze the literary representations of Junian Latinity, exploring how it was perceived, understood, and negotiated by different groups within Roman society. Through a close reading of these texts, the book reveals the complexities and contradictions of Junian Latinity, as well as the ways in which it shaped the social and cultural landscape of the Roman Empire.

One of the key strengths of this book is its interdisciplinary approach, bringing together leading researchers from history, law, and literature to explore Junian Latinity from various perspectives. The authors draw on a wealth of scholarship and evidence to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of this status, challenging traditional narratives and offering new insights into the complex web of relationships that characterized Roman imperial society.

Overall, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the study of Junian Latinity, slavery, manumission, and citizenship at Rome. It sets a new agenda for the study of this important period in Roman history, combining authoritative surveys with cutting-edge arguments. By bringing together leading researchers from different fields, the book offers a rich and comprehensive exploration of a status that has long been overlooked and misunderstood. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of history, law, literature, and Roman studies, as well as anyone with an interest in the complex and multifaceted dynamics of ancient societies.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399507462