This volume investigates how the structure, marriage forms, and kinship patterns of the Roman family varied across the diverse regions of the Roman Empire. Michele George, an expert in Roman social history, compiles a series of scholarly articles that challenge the traditional, Rome-centric view of the family unit. By synthesizing diverse evidence, the contributors argue that regional cultural practices significantly influenced the domestic lives of Roman citizens and subjects throughout the provinces.

Scholars frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the regional diversity of Roman social life. Experts highlight the book's utility in bridging the gap between traditional textual analysis and the study of provincial material culture.