BREVIARIUM ALARICIANUM Meaning and
Definition
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The term "BREVIARIUM ALARICIANUM" refers to a legal code compiled during the reign of King Alaric II of the Visigoths. It was the first written compilation of Germanic law and served as a precursor to later legal codes in medieval Europe.
The Breviarium Alaricianum, also known as the Lex Romana Visigothorum, was created in the early 6th century and consisted of two parts: the Breviarium Alaricianum veterum and the Breviarium Alaricianum novum. The code was a collection of laws and legal principles drawn from both Roman and Germanic traditions, reflecting the influences and interactions between the Visigoths and the Romans.
As a legal code, the Breviarium Alaricianum covered various aspects of law, including civil and criminal matters, property rights, family law, and regulations regarding the administration of justice. It was intended to be used by judges and legal officials in the Visigothic kingdom to ensure uniformity and consistency in legal rulings.
Although limited in its scope, the Breviarium Alaricianum provided an important foundation for subsequent legal developments in Western Europe. It influenced later codes, such as the Lex Romana Burgundionum and the Lex Romana Curiensis, and was used as a reference by medieval legal scholars. Its influence can also be seen in the later compilation known as the Visigothic Code.
In summary, the Breviarium Alaricianum was a legal code compiled under King Alaric II, representing an early attempt to codify Germanic and Roman laws. It played a significant role in the legal history of medieval Europe and contributed to the development of subsequent legal codes.
Etymology of BREVIARIUM ALARICIANUM
The word "Breviarium Alaricianum" has Latin roots.
"Breviarium" comes from the Latin word "brevis", which means "short" or "concise". In this context, it refers to a brief summary or an abridged version.
"Alaricianum" derives from "Alaric", which was the name of a Visigothic King who reigned during the early 5th century. The suffix "-anum" indicates a connection or belonging to something.
Therefore, "Breviarium Alaricianum" can be translated as the "Abridged Version of Alaric". It is often used to refer to the "Breviary of Alaric", which was an early compilation of Roman laws made under the rule of King Alaric II.
