ROME - The propagator of the senate, democracy, literature, politics, elections, imperialism, architecture, and yes even the historic family. While the political history of Rome has been and continues to be one of the most fascinating, and thus researched, topics of history, ancient Rome's impact on the historical family structure of Europe for the ensuing premodern and middle ages has often been overlooked. Yet, along with the Germanic family structure, Roman family concepts were the strongest building block in the formation of European family structures and traditions including marriage, death, inheritance, patriarchal heirarchies, and even divorce.
Discussing Roman influence on the history of the family is an enormous, even complicated, undertaking. Therefore, I will discuss a few items in conjuction with a review of the first two books, "The First Man in Rome," and "The Grass Crown," in a historical fiction series by Colleen McCullough. Every once in awhile you find one of those rare treasures at the library or a garage sale -- rediscovered books. McCullough's series on the struggle for power in Rome and the eventual fall of the Roman Republic is one of those finds. Not only do these books lay out the characters and even legends of Rome, they explore the intricate workings of the state, elections, political manueverings and ecspecially the family, which was essentially the foundation of Rome. For, it was through advantageous marriages of the patrician, and plebian families that the political arena of Rome was filled with the "right" men, whether or not they had ability. The laws and customs established by these men and their families set many of the standards for families all the way through the Middle Ages.
It is important to remember that any fictional historical novelist will take some poetic licensce, as well as impose her own interpretation on events. Yet, McCollough's research was obviously exhaustive. Her glossary at the end of her books is equal in length to one of her chapters and her grasp of the "big picture" left me enlightened on a subject incredibly vast in its scope and impact on history and society. I sincerely recommend her series as not only entertaining reading but educational. At the end of one book you will be able to understand the mechanics of Roman marriages, divorces, authority, kinship and their influence on the political and social civilization that shaped the families and governments of Europe. You will also know the story of such fascinating historical legends as the military genius Marius, the brilliant Sulla and, of course, Caesar. If you are not into reading page after page of academic papers this series is a great starting point for those interested in the evolution of the European Family. Yet, by no means should it be considered the staple of a good history buff's research diet.
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to
Rachelle Hughes's
European Social History topic, please visit the Discussions page.
