Adoption in the Fourth Century

This study aims to throw light on the institution and procedures of adoption in ancient Athens, and suggests that the community of classical Athens did not in fact intervene actively to preserve oikoi (households) through adoption, but that the initiative for preserving them was left up to private individuals. 'Rather than social pressure, it was individual concern for providing a descendent for oneself that constituted the chief motive force behind adoption in classical Athens. This is a major revision of received opinion and will help to guarantee Rubinstein's important monograph a large and eager readership' - Paul Cartledge .