Jill Harries Libri

This book is about the reinvention of the Roman Empire during the eighty years between the accession of Diocletian and the death of Julian.

The exploration of crime in ancient Rome reveals the complex interplay between legal definitions and societal attitudes. This book examines various offenses such as theft, treason, and violence, highlighting how court practices adapted to social changes despite a conservative legal tradition. It emphasizes the roles of judges and litigants in shaping the severity of justice during Late Antiquity. Additionally, it discusses the influence of rhetorical education and the indifference of both common people and elites towards legal nuances in shaping perceptions of crime.