Consent and Coercion to Sex and Marriage in Ancient and Medieval Societies (Dumbarton Oaks Research Library & Collection)

The nine studies collected here deal with Ancient Greece and Rome, the Byzantine Empire, and Western Medieval Europe. It is thus possible to see different approaches on the part of these societies, and also a certain evolution, in which Christianity played an important and subtle role. Other concepts, such as honor and shame, are also examined. The approaches taken by the authors are as varied as the topics; a common thread is the interest in the relationship between law, ideology, and social practice, and the reflection of such issues in literature.