Salvete!
I have a question about the infamous patria potestas.
Many modern books and sites claim that the patria potestas, which, at least in theory, seems quite devastating and reflects a mindset that many would consider abhorrent (esp. the fact that the paterfamilias had the power of life and death over his family members), was in fact rather limited by social customs and kept in check by other laws. Kind of like the constitutional monarchs of Europe have no real power although it may seem that way at first glance in laws and constitutions (e.g. the UK).
Now, my question is if this is really true? Or is it just a wishful projection to "modernise" Roma? I can imagine that in a society where education was not abudant (does anyone know the literacy rates in Rome?), certainly in the lower classes, this "right" was not always kept in check.
Any opinions?
Valete,
Draco