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Scholars Link Modern Prisons to Ancient Mediterranean Practices

12/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Larsen and Letteney, scholars, argue that modern prisons stem from ancient practices and reflect Mediterranean history.
They challenge Michel Foucault’s view, proposing that incarceration arises in hierarchical societies.
They cite Cicero’s Roman arguments showing social good, not post-conviction outcomes, as aims of imprisonment.
They compare ancient prisons to later systems, noting social status shaped prisoner treatment, as in Dickens' works.

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Story summary

Larsen and Letteney, scholars, argue that modern prisons stem from ancient practices and reflect Mediterranean history.
They challenge Michel Foucault’s view, proposing that incarceration arises in hierarchical societies.
They cite Cicero’s Roman arguments showing social good, not post-conviction outcomes, as aims of imprisonment.
They compare ancient prisons to later systems, noting social status shaped prisoner treatment, as in Dickens' works.