History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 316 - Just Measures - Law, Money, and War in Byzantium
Jan 13, 2019
Explore the intricate relationship between law and power in Byzantine society, particularly under Emperor Justinian's monumental legal codification. Discover how economic authority was shaped by slavery and imperial control, as well as the church's role in legitimizing these practices. Delve into the Byzantine rulers' beliefs on wealth distribution and the contentious issues of usury and land monopolization. Finally, examine the unique military practices and battle ethics that set Byzantium apart, emphasizing the influence of religion on warfare.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Justinian's Legal Codification Dominance
- Justinian's codification became the definitive legal reference and repealed any laws not included in it.
- Its Latin language initially limited accessibility, prompting later Greek legal compilations for Byzantine use.
Law's Divine Authority in Byzantium
- Byzantine emperors increasingly saw their lawmaking as an expression of God's justice.
- Law's authority stemmed from a trinity of emperor, patriarch, and law itself, reflecting a political theology.
Customs as Law Under Leo VI
- Emperor Leo VI elevated customary practices to legal status while discarding unwise customs.
- This approach balanced stability and adaptability in Byzantine law, avoiding radical changes.