The Theodosian Code and Novels and the Sirmondian Constitutions

by Clyde Pharr (Editor), Theresa Sherrer Davidson

Reprint of the sole edition. Originally [Princeton, New Jersey]: Princeton University Press, 1952. xxvi, 643 pp. Definitive scholarly English translation of the Codex Theodosianus (Theodosian Code), which was the Code of laws that regulated Roman life at its apex before the era of Justinian. The structure and scope of this text illustrate the complexity of the legal system of this fascinating era and the ultimate fall of the Roman empire. Marital law, adultery and inheritance; libel; the military; pardons; government administration; tax and tax appeals; fiscal law, debtors, and petitions; notification of suit; the secret service; land matters; gladiators, conscripted labor and compulsory public service, slavery and manumission, including the restriction of Jews against ownership of Christian slaves; the relationship of church and state and much more are covered. With thorough introduction, commentary, glossary, bibliography. Well-indexed.

Genres: Nonfiction

643 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 438

About the author

Clyde Pharr was an American classics professor at Ohio Wesleyan University, Southwestern Presbyterian University (now Rhodes College), Vanderbilt University (where he was head of the classics department for many years), and, finally, at the University of Texas at Austin.

Reviews

[Patric Nilsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very important to understand the 4th to 5th c. Roman Empire. An empire that was not constitutionally divided into two separate states in 395 CE, despite what you may have read in school books.

[Francis Hagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for anyone interested in the legal and cultural aspects of Late Rome.