Social Standing and Latin Names in Greek
Social Standing and Latin Names in Greek

Case Studies on Name Catalogues of the Early Imperial Period

Summary/Abstract: The variating presentations of Roman names in Greek primary sources reflect the depth of the Roman cultural impact on Greek-speaking communities. However, this variation also may render it more difficult – and sometimes impossible – to firmly establish the social standing of the Roman citizens in these records. This article explores problems related to this through ten selected name catalogues from the early imperial period. Geographically the catalogues range from Magna Graecia to Western Asia Minor, and they differ from each other in social context and purpose. In some catalogues certain patterns seem to emerge in the use of cognomina, praenomina or genitive attributes, or the hierarchical nature of a catalogue may facilitate interpretation; however, in many cases the lacking evidence leaves the social standing of some persons ambiguous or unknown.

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