Citizenship
Discover the rich tapestry of citizenship in the Roman Empire through our comprehensive reading list.
Explore the evolving concepts of Roman citizenship, from its origins in the city-state of Rome to its expansion across the vast territories of the empire. Delve into the rights, privileges, and obligations associated with Roman citizenship, and uncover the ways in which it shaped individuals’ identities and opportunities. Examine the mechanisms by which non-Romans could attain citizenship, whether through military service, imperial decree, or acts of benefaction. Investigate the role of citizenship in fostering loyalty to the empire and promoting social cohesion, as well as its implications for governance and administration. Whether you’re interested in the legal foundations of Roman citizenship, its social and cultural significance, or its impact on the lives of individuals and communities, our reading list offers a diverse array of scholarly works to deepen your understanding of this pivotal aspect of Roman history.
General
- Sherwin-White, A.N., The Roman citizenship, Oxford, 1973.
Further Reading
- Ando, C., Imperial Rome AD 193 to 284: the critical century, Edinburgh, 2012, Ch 4.
- Garnsey, P., ‘Roman citizenship and Roman law in the late empire’ in Approaching late antiquity: the transformation from early to late empire, Oxford, 2004, 133-155.
- Levick, B., The government of the Roman Empire: a sourcebook, London, 2000, 53-4, 88, 78, 140, 156, 162, 164.
- Lintott, A., Imperium Romanum: politics and administration, London, 1993, Ch 10.
- Shaw, B.D., ‘Rebels and outsiders‘ in The Cambridge ancient history: Vol. 11: The High Empire, A.D. 70-192, Cambridge, 2000, 361-403.
- Wallace-Hadrill, A., Rome’s cultural revolution, Cambridge, 2008, 441-454.
