Theory of roman law
Term: | Definition |
Lex Manciana | System of Roman aristocratic land ownership in Roman North Africa. How land was redistributed/governed following Roman conquest. Largely put Roman landowners on top, and put increased pressure on Pastoralists. |
Limes | Roman border system that regulates the flow of people into/out of Roman Territory. Largely a heavily active area with a large population, important for pastoralists and merchants. Initially managed by Romans in North Africa, later by foederati by around 400 Ad |
Sortes Vandalorum | Becomes one of the key pillars of vandal identity. |
Djedars | Monumental pieces of architecture, effectively pyramids, command the landscape for sure. Physically, and literally decolonizing the landscape. Coming in, and building indigenous structures on top of roman structures. Show how Indigenous identity survived during and after Roman control |
Leuathae | When Antathus rebels, finds many allies. Leuathae are one of them. Leuathae are described as different to Antathus’s group. -Pagan, and worshipped Gurzil, who is identified as the son of Amun and of a cow Historical Significance: -Shows westward migration from original homes in the Libyan desert, as well as conflict against Vandals and Byzantines. |
Perpetua | Perpetua’s martyrdom and the publication of her Passio sent shockwaves across the Christian community, her martyrdom story was heavily influential. Anticipation of Martyrdom was a key tenant of early christianity. Martyrdom acts by Early christians like Perpetua were important for building Christian identity Perpetua is also one of the few female primary sources from this time period to describe roman life directly, and the most significant Female voice we examined. |
Decian Persecution | Roman empire took a fairly hands off approach to persecution of Christians with the exception of a few periods of persecution, usually when times were hard. Much oppression of Christians was done on the local level. The Decian persecution is an example of this, it came during a period of strife within the empire. Was meant to also show loyalty towards the emperor, with people required to make a sacrifice to the emperor to show loyalty. A catalyst for the later Donastist movement, as there was a debate about those who had made sacrifice (or otherwise lapsed faith) during persecutions, and if they should be allowed back into the church |
Lapsi | Definition: -The question of what to do to those who had lapsed faith, or made a sacrifice to the Roman Emperor, is sacrilegious. -More than forgiveness, it is about the church hierarchy. Who has the power to forgive? Historical Significance: Apostates who renounced their faith under persecution by Roman authorities, fell away from their faith, only to return later. Shows persecution of Romans. |
Donatism | Starts when two rival bishops are appointed to the Bishop of Carthage, one who has lapsed and one appointed by Numidian Bishops. Numdian becomes the Donatist church, the other group the Caecilinists. Donatism places more of an emphasis on regional, African identity, as well as martyrdom. Punic speaking mostly. See themselves as tough on those who have lapsed in faith. Caecilinists still had a sense of African identity, but it was muted. More connection to Christians throughout the empire. |
Augustine of Hippo | Author of Confessions, incredibly important early Latin Christian theologian/philosopher. From North Africa. Created theory of the just father, and the theory of Original sin. Also discussed theological concepts such as the nature of free will, the physical bonds of god, and what it means to be good/evil. Defined Religio as ‘That which binds’ |
Circumcellians | -Hired religious thugs who would smash basilicas, maim, ambush, and kill clergy in support of Donatus’ agenda for a pure (non-traditore) church. -Considered unorthodox by the catholic church, began with remedying social grievances, but became linked with the donatist sect. Shows the extremist in the early to mid 4th century in North Africa, and their connection to donatism. |
Firmus | Was a roman general who was also the leader of an indigenous entity. When their influence does not get them adequate clout in Rome, they went to war with the empire. Ultimately, their revolt was put down. The significance of Firmus (potentially) is it shows the overlapping Roman/indigenous identity |
Foederati | Roman army has trouble recruiting Roman Soldiers, so instead they begin to hire soldiers from the borderlands of the empire. Border used to function well when Rome was stable, but an unstable Rome means borderlands are chaotic. The Foederati were groups of non romans who performed the duties of the Roman Military. Were often composed of distinct ethnic groups/tribes. |
Antalas | Man pulled uno reverse card in 544, fucked everyone over. A Berber tribal leader who played a major role in the wars of the Byzantine Empire against the Berber tribes in Africa. Antalas and his tribe, the Frexenses of Byzacena who are today called “Frechich” in Tunisia,[1] initially served the Byzantines as allies, but after 544 switched sides. With the final Byzantine victory in 548, Antalas and his Christian tribe once again became Byzantine subjects. The main sources on his life are the epic poem Iohannis of Flavius Cresconius Corippus and the Histories of the Wars of Procopius of Caesarea. |
Procopius | Was a Byzantine Historian who documented many of the conquests/wars in North Africa. This includes Solomon, and his wars against the Mauri peoples of North Africa. Not a fan of Justinian and not very pro roman, but is obligated to write in a pro roman twist. His historical writings are very encompassing, but definitely biased. Published a ‘secret’ much more critical history of Rome/Justinian after the death of Justinian. |