The contributions in this volume explore the role of emotions in connection with the structures of authority and order that can be found in ancient and medieval texts. Since antiquity, emotions have often been viewed as destructive. Instead, this collection of papers takes a fresh look at the constructive and stabilising aspects of emotions. By including the perspectives of philology, philosophy, papyrology, ancient history and Roman law it offers a plethora of interpretative approaches that encourage further research in the field. A focal point of this volume are the emotions of fear and anger.