Document serving the conclusion of a contract and conveyance of a right: Interweaving of the Roman and Greek legal traditions in Byzantine private law

Abstract

The purchase contract, often referred to as sale and purchase (prᾶsis caὶ ἀgorasίa) as an illustration of its twofold nature derived from the Roman legal tradition, or simply as sale (prᾶsis), is suitable for analyzing different legal issues. In light of typical Byzantine document named pratήrion ἔggraphon, we aim to define the nature of purchase contract in this medieval legal system. Diplomatic formulae contain data about consensus of contractual parties, as well as the fact that a document was drafted "for security", which raises the question of solemnity of this contract. The role the deed has is also discussed in the paper, as in some cases it is uncertain whether the composition and delivery of the document also implied the passing of title. Applied methodological approach takes into account the linguistic interpretation of documentary clauses and legal provisions in codes, and relies on comparative-historical method.

Keywords

• byzantine law
• ancient greek law
• roman law
• ownership
• byzantine documentary practice
• traditio ficta