History of Roman Law

Flashcards covering the key concepts of the history of Roman Law.

What are the two main periods discussed in the lecture regarding the history of Roman Law?

The Principate (27 BC - 284 AD) and the Dominate (284 AD onwards).

What led to the failure of the Republican constitutional structures?

The constitutional structure failed as Rome became the world's first superpower, characterized by civil wars and the rise of dictatorship.

How did the emperor maintain the appearance of the republic during the Principate?

The emperor pretended to have saved the republic but concentrated powers and claimed to be a mere leader of the senate.

What characterized the first two centuries of the Principate?

Peace, prosperity, stability, growth in commerce, trade, industry, agriculture, and art.

How was executive power structured during the Principate?

Power was transferred to the emperor, leading to the abolishment of popular elections and the senate's voting on magistrates.

How did the legislative structure change during the Principate?

The senate replaced the popular assembly as the legislature but was eventually bypassed by the emperor.

constitutional weakness existed within the constitutional model of the principate?

Absence of proper regulation of the succession of the emperor.

How was the Roman Empire divided during the Dominate?

The Western empire with Rome as its capital and the Eastern empire with Constantinople as its capital.

What was the most important period in the history of the Eastern empire?

The reign of Justinian from 527-565 AD.

How did the constitutional model influence the sources of law?

The mode of governance had a direct influence on the formal sources of law; for example, in the monarchy, the king was the main source of law.

What was Rome's socio-economic status during the Principate?

Rome was a major financial and commercial center with a population of one million people during the Principate, but the majority of citizens were poor.

What were the roles of patricians and plebians in Roman society?

Patricians served as priests, magistrates, lawyers, and judges, while plebians worked as farmers, craftsmen, and laborers.

What was the main source of wealth for the aristocratic families?

Land ownership and sale of agricultural products, usually managed by slaves or hired free men.

Who were the equestrians?

Wealthy men involved in business and commerce who emerged in the later republic.

When was Roman citizenship extended to all free inhabitants of the empire?

In the early third century AD