Elite father and son relationships in Republican Rome
The focus of this study is aristocratic fathers and sons in the middle and late Roman Republic (264 â 27 B.C.). By considering legal, literary, and material evidence, it addresses the behaviour of elite families throughout this period. Although there is a great deal of important research conducted on family relations in the ancient world more generally, there is no extensive study which analyses the bonds of duty, obligation, and affection between fathers and sons in republican Rome. It is this gap in the scholarship which is addressed in my thesis. The key aspects of this relationship are considered through several interconnected chapters. Each reflects the social nature of this analysis, and demonstrates that traditional values, dynastic considerations, and social ideals promoted a sense of common identity and unity within the household. Although the hierarchical nature of Roman family life also provided opportunities for conflict between father and son, ultimately the relationship between the two was governed by these three concerns, as well as the close correlation between public and private in the lives of the republican elite. The discussion begins by considering the high valuation of fatherhood at
Murray, Lauren Donna
late Roman Republic ; fathers and sons ; hierarchical relationship ; social expectations ; Roman aristocracy
Elite father and son relationships in Republican Rome. The focus of this study is aristocratic fathers and sons in the middle and late Roman Republic (264 â 27 B.C.). By considering legal, literary, and material evidence, it addresses the behaviour of elite families throughout this period. Although there is a great deal of important research conducted on family relations in the ancient world more generally, there is no extensive study which analyses the bonds of duty, obligation, and affection between fathers and sons in republican Rome. It is this gap in the scholarship which is addressed in my thesis. The key aspects of this relationship are considered through several interconnected chapters. Each reflects the social nature of this analysis, and demonstrates that traditional values, dynastic considerations, and social ideals promoted a sense of common identity and unity within the household. Although the hierarchical nature of Roman family life also provided opportunities for conflict between father and son, ultimately the relationship between the two was governed by these three concerns, as well as the close correlation between public and private in the lives of the republican elite. The discussion begins by considering the high valuation of fatherhood at
elite father son relationship republican_rome focus study aristocratic father son middle_late roman_republic consider legal literary material_evidence address behaviour elite family throughout_period although_great deal important conduct family relation ancient_world generally extensive study analysis bond duty obligation affection father son republican_rome gap scholarship address thesis key_aspect relationship consider_several interconnected chapter reflect social nature analysis demonstrate traditional value dynastic consideration social ideal promote sense common identity unity within_household although hierarchical nature roman family_life also_provide opportunity conflict father son ultimately relationship govern concern well close correlation public_private life republican elite discussion begin_consider high valuation fatherhood