Pharr, Clyde. The Theodosian Code and Novels and the Sirmondian Constitutions: A Translation with Commentary, Glossary, and Bibliography. [Princeton]: Princeton University Press, 1952. xxvi, 643 pp. Reprinted 2001 by The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. LCCN 2001023441. ISBN 1-58477-146-1. Hardcover. * Definitive scholarly English translation of the 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.

A translation with commentary, glossary, and bibliography.

A comprehensive guide to the Theodosian Code which provides an invaluable source for the legal, social, religious and cultural history of the late Roman Empire. Written between 429 and 437 AD, the Code was a compilation of 3500 texts, of which more than 2700 survive, which published Roman imperial legislation from the reign of Constantine the great to Theodosius II. Matthews initially examines the political context for the Code and the events surrounding its actual composition before considering the contents of the Code, the Sirmondian Constitutions, the nature of the late Roman constitution and detailed editorial issues.