La città e gli orfani

The contribution traces the evolution of the Greek legislation on orphans, especially in the better-known Athenian context. It highlights the interest towards the children of citizens deprived of protection. This interest is extended, beyond the aspects referred to property (protection of the oikos orphanikos), also to the affective and human side (the conditions of the trophe and the concern for the development of eunoia, namely that feeling of mutual goodwill and affection which can be experienced in the context of a family).