Intro -- Contents -- Acknowledgments -- Note on Abbreviations -- Introduction -- 1. Motives -- 2. Sources -- 3. Testators -- 4. The Act -- 5. Interference -- 6. Family -- 7. Servants and Friends -- 8. Community -- 9. Memory -- Conclusion -- Appendix I. Wills Attested in Literature -- Appendix II. Papyri -- Appendix III. Select Inscriptions -- Appendix IV. Captatio and Related Improprieties -- Appendix V. Emperors as Heirs and Legatees -- Bibliography -- Index
Summary
Freed from the familial and social obligations incumbent on the living, the Roman testator could craft his will to be a literal ""last judgment"" on family, friends, and society. The Romans were fascinated by the contents of wills, believing the will to be a mirror of the testator's true character and opinions. The wills offer us a unique view of the individual Roman testator's world. Just as classicists, ancient historians, and legal historians will find a mi
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 205-212) and index