Social Struggles in Archaic Rome: New Perspectives on the Conflict of the Orders

The history of early republican Rome was marked by a long series of social and political struggles between the patrician elite and the plebeians (often called the Conflict of the Orders ). In this new edition of Social Struggles in Archaic Rome, experts from both sides of the Atlantic illuminate the history of these social conflicts examining their causes and nature; analyzing a wide range of social, economic, legal, religious, military, and political aspects; and considering the reliability of the historical sources. This edition is enhanced by addenda updating individual chapters in light of recent scholarship, a new chapter on aspects of material culture, an updated bibliography, and a new introduction.

Notes on Contributors.

Preface to the second edition.

Preface to the first edition.

Chronological Table.

Abbreviations.

1. The Conflict of the Orders in Archaic Rome: A Comprehensive and Comparative Approach.

Kurt A. Raaflaub.

2 The Value of the Literary Tradition Concerning Archaic Rome: Timothy J. Cornell.

3 The Formation of the Annalistic Tradition : The Example of the Decemvirate: Jürgen von Ungern–Sternberg.

4. The Contribution of Archaeology to Early Roman History: Russell T. Scott.

5. Patricians and Plebeians: The Origins of a Social Dichotomy: Jean–Claude Richard.

6. The Definition of patres and plebs: An End to the Struggle of the Orders: Richard E. Mitchell.

7. The Rise of the plebs in the Archaic Age of Rome: Arnaldo Momigliano.

8. From Protection and Defense to Offense and Participation: Stages in the Conflict of the Orders: Kurt A. Raaflaub.

9. Religious Aspects of the Conflict of the Orders: The Case of confarreatio: Jerzy Linderski.

10. The Political Significance of the Codification of Law in Archaic Societies: An Unconventional Hypothesis: Walter Eder.

11. The Tenth Table and the Conflict of the Orders: Mark Toher.

12. The Integration of the Plebians into the Political Order after 366 bc: Robert Develin.

13. The End of the Conflict of the Orders: Jürgen von Ungern–Sternberg.

Bibliography.

Index of Subjects.

Index of Persons and Places.

Index of Scholars.

Index of Sources

Kurt A. Raaflaub is David Herlihy University Professor and Professor of Classics and History at Brown University. His recent publications include Origins of Democracy in Ancient Greece (co–authored, 2006), The Discovery of Freedom in Ancient Greece (2004), War and Society in the Ancient and Medieval Worlds (co–edited, 1999), and Democracy, Empire, and the Arts in Fifth–Century Athens (co–edited, 1998).

"A path–breaking collection of articles and a model of collaborative enterprise when it first appeared, Social Struggles has long been essential reading for students and scholars alike of the Republic s early history. Its re–publication in an expanded second edition is to be warmly welcomed. Quite simply, it is the best introduction available in any language to the complexities of this poorly understood but crucial period in Rome s rise to world power." Nathan Rosenstein, The Ohio State University

"Raaflaub′s collection of essays has since its appearance been a standard work of reference and guide to the complexities of early Rome. The alternative views expressed on key issues make this a rich and rewarding account. Now updated, Social Struggles in Ancient Rome will once again define the future course of research in the field." Christopher J Smith, University of St Andrews

Raaflaub s revised publication should continue to stimulate debate regarding Rome s social, political and religious organization in the first centuries of the Republic.
Scholia Reviews