Chronical History

Disabilities in Ancient Rome: Legal Rights Recognized but Physical Perfection Highly Valued

Xannah Moniq Season 1 Episode 9

Ancient Rome may have revered strength and perfection, but what happened to those who didn’t fit the mold? In this fast-paced episode, host Xannah Moniq takes you on a journey through the paradox of disability in the Roman Empire. Discover the surprising legal protections for disabled citizens, the stigma they faced, and the stories of resilience that flourished in the shadow of Rome’s obsession with the ‘ideal body.’ From legal rights to societal prejudice, this episode of Chronical History dives deep into a history you’ve never heard before.

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Sources/References

        1.        Garland, Robert. The Eye of the Beholder: Deformity and Disability in the Graeco-Roman World. Cornell University Press, 1995.
        2.        Lavan, Myles. “The Roman Law of Disabilities: Infirmitas and Legal Protections.” Journal of Ancient Law, vol. 23, 2010.
        3.        Harris, William V. “Mental Disorders in the Classical World.” Journal of Roman Studies, vol. 105, 2015.
        4.        Rose, Martha A. The Staff of Oedipus: Transforming Disability in Ancient Greece and Rome. University of Michigan Press, 2003.
        5.        Barrow, Robin. The Romans. Yale University Press, 1995.
        6.        Kyle, Donald G. Spectacles of Death in Ancient Rome. Routledge, 1998.

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