Lecture 3 - Roman social histroy

What are the primary texts of Roman law?

The primary texts include the XII Tables (451/0 BC), Gaius' Institutes (ca. AD 160), Codex Theodosianus (AD 438), and the Corpus Iuris Civilis.

What is the Corpus Iuris Civilis?

It is the codification of Roman law under Emperor Justinian, consisting of the Digest of Justinian (AD 533) and the Codex Iustinianus (AD 534).

What is the distinction between free and unfree persons in Roman law?

All human beings are classified as either free (liberi) or slaves (servi).

How does Roman law define freedom and slavery?

Freedom (libertas) is the ability to act without coercion or law, while slavery (servitus) is an institution where a person is subject to another's ownership.

What factors influenced the treatment of individuals in Roman law?

Treatment varied based on status, crime, wealth, innocence, and the dignitas of the accused and accuser.

What was the harshest penalty for a senator in Roman law?

Exile.

What did Hadrian rule regarding the execution of decurions?

Decurions were not to be executed for homicide unless it was a case of parricide.

What was the typical punishment for lower-ranked individuals in Roman law?

Lower-ranked individuals (humiliores) could be thrown to beasts or burned alive.

What are the challenges in obtaining civil redress in cases of inequality?

High-status individuals often required the praetor's permission to be summoned to court, and certain actions were not available to lower-status individuals against those of higher status.

What is the legal status of a Roman slave?

Slaves had no rights and were considered 'human things' under the law of property.

How could a slave acquire a peculium?

An owner might allow a good slave to have a peculium, which could include cash, property, animals, or other slaves.

What is manumission in Roman law?

Manumission is the process by which a slave is freed, which can occur through various means such as vindicta, censu, or testamento.

What was the average daily wage for an unskilled male worker in Roman Italy?

2-3 sesterces.

What were some prices of slaves in Roman Italy?

Prices ranged from 600 HS for a cheap girl to 100,000 HS for highly educated slaves.

What were common categories of Roman slaves based on their roles?

Categories included agaso (groom), coquus (cook), and paedogogus (children's chaperon), among others.

What does the term 'ordo' refer to in the context of Roman slavery?

'Ordo' refers to the status and rank of slaves, which influenced how they were treated.

What was the significance of the praetor in Roman legal proceedings?

The praetor's permission was often necessary for summoning high-status individuals to court.

What does 'infamia' mean in the context of Roman law?

Infamia refers to disgrace that prevents certain individuals, like sons or freedmen, from bringing actions against their parents or patrons.

What was the role of Ulpian in Roman law?

Ulpian was a jurist whose writings contributed to the Digest, influencing legal principles regarding status and treatment.

What does 'dignitas' signify in Roman law?

Dignitas refers to the social status or worth of an individual, impacting legal treatment and proceedings.

What was the significance of the Digest of Justinian?

It compiled excerpts from various jurists, providing a comprehensive overview of Roman legal thought.

What does the term 'humiliores' refer to?

Humiliores refers to individuals of lower social status in Roman society.

What does 'libertas' mean in Roman law?

Libertas means freedom, specifically the natural ability to act without coercion or legal restrictions.

What was the role of the Urban Prefect in Roman law?

The Urban Prefect handled legal complaints from slaves claiming to have bought their freedom.

What were some common methods of becoming a Roman slave?

Methods included being captured in war, born to a slave mother, or sold into slavery as punishment.

What does the phrase 'human things' imply about the status of slaves in Roman law?

It implies that slaves were viewed as property rather than persons with rights.