This is a study of the legal rules affecting the practice of female prostitution in Rome from approximately 200 BC to AD 250. It examines the formation and precise content of the legal norms developed for prostitution and those engaged in the profession, with particular attention to their social context. McGinn's study explores the ""fit"" between the law system and the socio-economic reality while shedding light on important questions concerning marginal groups, marriage, sexual behaviour, the family, slavery and citizen status, particularly that of women.