Iustinianus I Imperator - Codex Iustinianus [Corpus Iuris Civilis] - 1695

DESCRIPTION: I present at auction a PRECIOUS 330-YEAR-OLD ITEM that contains in two large volumes (24x18 cm) and 2.1 kg of weight, the famous "CODEX IUSTINIANUS Lib. XII (Code of Emperor Justinian)", an essential work that forms part of the CORPUS IURIS CIVILIS, commented on by the acclaimed jurist and flamenco-humanist Antonius Perezius (1589 – 1672).

The Code of Justinian (in Latin, Codex Iustinianus) is a compilation of Roman laws promulgated by Emperor Justinian on November 17, 537, created with the aim of unifying, simplifying and updating Roman law. It is structured into 12 books, divided into titles by topics and within them the laws ordered chronologically. The topics follow a fairly logical order:

+ Book I: religion, sources of law, administration
+ Books II–VIII: private law (family, property…)
+ Book IX: criminal law
+ Books X–XII: state administration.

Let’s give some examples:

1. Family problem: Marriage and Divorce. Imagine you are married but want to separate. In ancient Roman law, norms were confusing and changed depending on the era. With the Codex Iustinianus, Justinian makes it clear:

+ Marriage is valid if there is consent
+ Divorce is possible, but regulated (it’s not a “I’m leaving and that’s it” situation)
+ There are economic consequences depending on who ends the marriage

Modern translation: something similar to our divorce laws with conditions and legal effects.

2. Property problem: your neighbor encroaches on your land. Your neighbor starts building… but goes a few meters too far. The code establishes:

+ What legitimate property is
+ How to prove it
+ What to do if someone occupies your property

You could legally claim and demand restoration or compensation. It is the antecedent of current property or boundary lawsuits.

3. Economic problem: debts. You borrow money and cannot repay. Before the Codex, the matter could end very badly (even slavery in ancient times). With Justinian:

+ Contracts are regulated
+ Payment conditions are set
+ Abuses are limited

It’s like moving from a “wild” system to one with clear lending rules.

4. Penal problem: crimes. You commit (or suffer) a crime. The Codex defines:

+ What is a crime
+ What punishment corresponds
+ Which authority judges

Something key: punishment stops being arbitrary and becomes more systematized.

5. Problem with the State: taxes. The Empire requires you to pay taxes. The code regulates:

+ Who must pay
+ How much
+ What happens if you don’t pay

Yes, problems with the taxman already existed. ;-)

THE CODE OF JUSTINIAN IN TWO TOWS OF 330 YEARS OF AGE. DO NOT LET IT SLIP AWAY.

YEAR AND PLACE OF PUBLICATION: Antwerp, 1695 (330 years old)

LANGUAGE: Latin (Original Version)

SIZE AND PAGINATION: Dimensions: 2 volumes IN-4, 23.5 x 17.5 cm. Pagination: Volume 1: Title page + [16 pp] + 690 pp.; Volume 2: Title page + 662 pp + [54 pp]. Weight: 2.1 kg.

CONDITION: Original binding in good condition of conservation, with some wear, as shown in the photos. Spine with five ridges decorated with gold motifs inspired by vegetation and double fillet with the author’s name and the work in gold lettering. Carved marbled edges.

The interior is in good overall condition, as shown in the photos. Note, in Volume 1, absence of pages 1–50, 145/146, 457–490. Entire copy printed with text in double column. LOVELY TWO-COLOUR COVER on the first volume and black-and-white cover on the second. The copy illustrated with beautiful engravings on both covers and beautiful capital letters carved in wood and lovely tailpieces.

THE CODE OF JUSTINIAN IN TWO VOLUMES OF 330 YEARS OF AGE. DO NOT LET IT SLIP AWAY

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