Adoption practices in Late Antique and Byzantine Egypt

Abstract

Details regarding adoption in Egypt (in relation i.e. to age and status of those being adopted, adoptive candidates, their motives etc.) can be found in extant adoption/fosterage contracts dating from the fourth century A.D. onwards. This study concentrates on the clauses contained in adoption/fosterage contracts and examines the reasons dictating the compilation of a written contract in Late Antique and Byzantine Egypt.