Crime and Punishment in Ancient Rome

Richard A. Bauman tells the history of punishment from the Roman Republic to the late Empire, thus shedding light on some decisive aspects of Roman history.



First Published in 2004. Punishment was an integral element of the Roman justice system and as controversial as it is today. Bauman examines the mechanics of the administering of punishment and the philosophical beliefs from which attitudes to penalty were born. The emphasis is placed on crimes against the public during the Republic and Principate with less discussion of either civil cases or issues. Special reference is made to changes in attitudes concerning the death penalty.