Classical Studies Presents ... Elizabeth M. Greene

Research over the past few decades has shown that women and children were an integral part of life in Roman military communities, but work on the social role of these individuals still lags behind. This talk focuses on the social life of Roman soldiers, considering the varied evidence (archaeological footwear, epigraphy, representation) that illuminates the roles of non-combatants within these unique settlements. The presentation highlights the very different realities for the wives and children of officers compared to those of lower social status, who were paid far less and had different legal rights for marriage during military service.