Here's a breakdown of his most notable works:
* "Das Mutterrecht" (Mother Right): This seminal work argued that human societies originally followed a matrilineal system, with women holding the primary power and inheritance being passed down through the maternal line. Bachofen based his theory on his interpretations of ancient Greek myths, legends, and legal customs.
* "Antiquitäten der juristischen Personen" (Antiquities of Juridical Persons): This book explored the historical development of legal concepts and institutions, specifically focusing on the concept of the legal person.
* "Die Sage vom Gotte Mann" (The Legend of the God-Man): This work continued Bachofen's exploration of ancient myths and rituals, examining their connections to social structures and religious beliefs.
While Bachofen's work is considered significant for its insights into the history of legal thought and social structures, it's important to note that his theories have been both celebrated and criticized. His ideas about matriarchal societies have been challenged by later anthropologists and historians, and some of his interpretations of ancient myths and customs are considered speculative. However, his work remains influential in fields like anthropology, sociology, and feminist theory, and continues to spark debate and discussion.