Public Lands and Agrarian Laws of the Roman Republic By: Andrew Stephenson
In Public Lands and Agrarian Laws of the Roman Republic, author Andrew Stephenson presents a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between public lands and agrarian laws in the Roman Republic. Spanning over four decades, Stephenson delves into the complex historical, legal, and socio-economic aspects that shaped the Roman land tenure system during this period. Stephenson's meticulous research and meticulous attention to detail are evident throughout the book. He artfully combines primary sources, such as Roman legal texts, inscriptions, and literary works, with diverse secondary sources to support his arguments and provide a well-rounded analysis. The result is a compelling narrative that not only enlightens readers about the subject matter but also transports them into the political and social environment of the Roman Republic. One of the main strengths of Stephenson's work is his ability to contextualize the issue of land ownership within the broader scope of Roman history. He convincingly argues that public lands played a crucial role in shaping the social and political landscape of the Republic. By examining various legislative efforts and their implications, he demonstrates how the distribution, allocation, and exploitation of public lands became central to political struggles and the consolidation of power. Moreover, Stephenson's clear and concise writing style makes the book accessible to both experts and non-specialists. He expertly guides readers through intricate legal concepts and processes, providing sufficient background information without overwhelming them with unnecessary technicalities. This balanced approach helps to maintain a steady pace and ensures that readers remain engaged throughout the book. One minor weakness of the book is its occasional over-reliance on lengthy quotations from ancient sources. While the inclusion of primary sources is essential to support arguments, the frequent reliance on extended citations disrupts the flow of the narrative at times. Nonetheless, this does not significantly detract from the overall quality and impact of the book. Overall, Public Lands and Agrarian Laws of the Roman Republic by Andrew Stephenson offers a valuable contribution to the scholarly knowledge of Roman land tenure and agrarian legislation. Stephenson's in-depth analysis, supported by an impressive array of sources, paints a vivid picture of the complex issues surrounding public lands within the Roman Republic. This book is highly recommended for scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in Roman history, legal systems, or agrarian policies. First Page: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY STUDIES IN HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCE HERBERT B. ADAMS, Editor History is past Politics and Politics present History Freeman NINTH SERIES VII VIII PUBLIC LANDS AND AGRARIAN LAWS OF THE ROMAN REPUBLIC BY ANDREW STEPHENSON, PH.D. Professor of History, Wesleyan University BALTIMORE THE JOHNS HOPKINS PRESS JULY AUGUST, 1891 Copyright, 1891, BY THE JOHNS HOPKINS PRESS. PREFACE. In the following pages it has been my object to trace the history of the domain lands of Rome from the earliest times to the establishment of the Empire. The plan of the work has been to sketch the origin and growth of the idea of private property in land, the expansion of the ager publicus by the conquest of neighboring territories, and its absorption by means of sale, by gift to the people, and by the establishment of colonies, until wholly merged in private property. This necessarily involves a history of the agrarian laws, as land distributions were made and colonies established only in accordance with laws previously enacted. My reason for undertaking such a work as the present is found in the fact that agrarian movements have borne more or less upon every point in Roman constitutional history, and a proper knowledge of the former is necessary to a just interpretation of the latter... Continue reading book >>

Public Lands and Agrarian Laws of the Roman Republic By: Andrew Stephenson

In Public Lands and Agrarian Laws of the Roman Republic, author Andrew Stephenson presents a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between public lands and agrarian laws in the Roman Republic. Spanning over four decades, Stephenson delves into the complex historical, legal, and socio-economic aspects that shaped the Roman land tenure system during this period.

Stephenson's meticulous research and meticulous attention to detail are evident throughout the book. He artfully combines primary sources, such as Roman legal texts, inscriptions, and literary works, with diverse secondary sources to support his arguments and provide a well-rounded analysis. The result is a compelling narrative that not only enlightens readers about the subject matter but also transports them into the political and social environment of the Roman Republic.

One of the main strengths of Stephenson's work is his ability to contextualize the issue of land ownership within the broader scope of Roman history. He convincingly argues that public lands played a crucial role in shaping the social and political landscape of the Republic. By examining various legislative efforts and their implications, he demonstrates how the distribution, allocation, and exploitation of public lands became central to political struggles and the consolidation of power.

Moreover, Stephenson's clear and concise writing style makes the book accessible to both experts and non-specialists. He expertly guides readers through intricate legal concepts and processes, providing sufficient background information without overwhelming them with unnecessary technicalities. This balanced approach helps to maintain a steady pace and ensures that readers remain engaged throughout the book.

One minor weakness of the book is its occasional over-reliance on lengthy quotations from ancient sources. While the inclusion of primary sources is essential to support arguments, the frequent reliance on extended citations disrupts the flow of the narrative at times. Nonetheless, this does not significantly detract from the overall quality and impact of the book.

Overall, Public Lands and Agrarian Laws of the Roman Republic by Andrew Stephenson offers a valuable contribution to the scholarly knowledge of Roman land tenure and agrarian legislation. Stephenson's in-depth analysis, supported by an impressive array of sources, paints a vivid picture of the complex issues surrounding public lands within the Roman Republic. This book is highly recommended for scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in Roman history, legal systems, or agrarian policies.

First Page:

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY STUDIES IN HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

HERBERT B. ADAMS, Editor

History is past Politics and Politics present History Freeman

NINTH SERIES VII VIII

PUBLIC LANDS AND AGRARIAN LAWS OF THE ROMAN REPUBLIC

BY ANDREW STEPHENSON, PH.D. Professor of History, Wesleyan University

BALTIMORE

THE JOHNS HOPKINS PRESS

JULY AUGUST, 1891

PREFACE.

In the following pages it has been my object to trace the history of the domain lands of Rome from the earliest times to the establishment of the Empire. The plan of the work has been to sketch the origin and growth of the idea of private property in land, the expansion of the ager publicus by the conquest of neighboring territories, and its absorption by means of sale, by gift to the people, and by the establishment of colonies, until wholly merged in private property. This necessarily involves a history of the agrarian laws, as land distributions were made and colonies established only in accordance with laws previously enacted.

My reason for undertaking such a work as the present is found in the fact that agrarian movements have borne more or less upon every point in Roman constitutional history, and a proper knowledge of the former is necessary to a just interpretation of the latter... Continue reading book >>

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