Curated category
Roman law
- Codex GregorianusA certain Gregorius or Gregorianus stands behind the Codex Gregorianus, yet history offers no clear portrait of this man.
- Lex AquiliaThe lex Aquilia emerged during the 3rd century BC within the Roman Republic. Historians debate whether it arrived around 286 BC or later near 200 BC.
- Lex Fufia CaniniaThe year 2 BC marked the passage of the lex Fufia Caninia under Augustus, the first Roman emperor. This law addressed the manumission of slaves through a…
- Roman lawIn 451 BC, ten Roman citizens known as the decemviri legibus scribundis were chosen to record laws. They held supreme political power while magistrates lost…
- Dignitas (Roman concept)The Latin word dignitas appears in ancient texts without a direct English equivalent. Translators often choose dignity, prestige, or charisma to capture its…
- Corpus Juris CivilisJustinian I ascended to the imperial throne in Constantinople during 527. Six months after his accession, he arranged for a new collection of imperial…
- Colonies in antiquityArchaeologists have uncovered pottery and fortifications in southern Canaan dating to 3200 BC. These artifacts mark the earliest known Egyptian settlements…
- Edict of MilanRomans viewed their success as a world power through collective piety. They honored a great number of deities. Greeks on the Italian peninsula introduced…
- Roman tribeA Roman denarius from 63 BC shows a voter casting a ballot, but the story of Roman tribes begins much earlier. Tradition holds that Romulus created three…
- ImperiumThe Latin verb imperare means to command. Ancient Roman citizens used this word to describe absolute or kingly power. Early usage reflected total control…
- Patronage in ancient RomeRomulus, the legendary founder of Rome, regulated the patronage relationship as one of his earliest concerns. Greek historians Dionysius and Plutarch dated…
- Roman magistrateThe Roman King of Rome held absolute authority during the Kingdom period. He served as chief priest, lawgiver, judge, and sole commander of the army.