Selling land and houses in the ancient Greek poleis : Some notes on procedures, liabilities, and parties involved

Several documents recording the sale of land and houses between private individuals have been found in the Greek world. The purpose of these documents was to provide legal publicity for deeds of sale, but the resulting data go far beyond their original legal function. The subjects that will be investigated will concern the procedures, the presence or absence of public officials in the deeds, the role and liabilities of the parties involved, and the financial aspects. By comparing a number of case studies, an attempt will be made to identify similarities and differences in the buying and selling of real estate between private individuals in the Greek poleis.