Theodosian Code, Volume 1

A library stamp reading "VIALE DELLE..." is visible in the upper left.

4Anicius Achillius Glabrio Faustus, vir clarissimus and illustris, three-time former urban prefect, praetorian prefect, and ordinary consul, read from the Theodosian Code, first book, under the title "On the constitutions of princes and edicts":

5Following the example of the Gregorian and Hermogenian codes, we decree that all constitutions are to be collected, which the illustrious Constantine and the divine princes after him and we have issued, supported by the force of edicts or by sacred generality. And first, the titles, which are the certain names of matters, are to be separated in such a way that, if a constitution pertains to several titles with different chapters expressed, what is appropriate everywhere may be placed there; then, what variety of readings will make it apply to either part should be approved by the order of reading, not only by counting the consuls and inquiring into the time of the reign, but by the very composition of the work itself, showing that those which are later are more valid. After this, the very words of the constitutions which pertain to the matter are to be reserved, omitting those which are not added to the matter to be sanctioned by necessity itself. But since it is simpler and more just to explain only those which it is agreed are valid, omitting those which later ones invalidate, we may know that this code and the previous ones were composed by more diligent men, to whose scholarly intention it is attributed to know also those which, having been passed over in silence, have fallen into disuse, being valid only for the affairs of their own time. From these three codes, and the treatises and responses of the learned, coherent through individual titles, by the work of the same ones who will arrange the third, another of ours will be made, which will suffer no error, no ambiguities, which, named by our name, will show all things to be followed and avoided. To the completion of such a great work and the weaving together of the codes—the first of which, with all the diversity of general constitutions collected and nothing omitted outside itself that may now be permitted to be brought forth, will refuse the empty abundance of words; the other, with all diversity of law excluded, will undertake the mastery of life—men of singular faith and more refined intellect are to be chosen, who, when they have offered the first code to our knowledge and public authority, will proceed to treat another, until it is worthy of publication. Let your greatness know the chosen ones: we have chosen Antiochus, illustris man, former quaestor and prefect; Antiochus, illustris man, quaestor of the sacred palace; Theodorus, admirable man, count and master of memory; Eudicius and Eusebius, admirable men, masters of the record offices; Johannes, admirable man, former count of our treasury; Comazontes and Eubulus, admirable men, former masters of the record offices; and Apelles, a most eloquent scholar. We trust that those chosen by us will employ every most learned man, so that through joint study, the method of life being grasped, deceitful laws may be excluded. In the future, however, if anything should please to be promulgated, it will be valid in the other part of the most connected empire in such a way that it does not rely on doubtful faith nor private assertion; but from whichever part it was constituted, it shall be transmitted with sacred addresses to be received in the archives of the other as well and to be published with the solemnity of edicts. For it will be fitting for what is sent to be respected and to obtain without doubt, with the power of amending or revoking reserved to our clemency. However, it will be necessary to declare it in turn, and not to be admitted otherwise, and the rest. GIVEN ON THE 7TH DAY BEFORE THE KALENDS OF APRIL AT CONSTANTINOPLE, FLORENTIUS AND DIONYSIUS BEING CONSULS.

5It was acclaimed: "Augusti of Augusti, greatest of Augusti." Said 8 times.
"God gave you to us, God preserve you for us." Said 27 times.
"Roman emperors, pious and happy, may you rule for many years." Said 22 times.
"For the good of the human race, for the good of the Senate, for the good of the republic, for the good of all." Said 23 times.
45"Hope is in you, salvation is in us." Said 26 times.
"May it always delight our Augusti to live." Said 22 times.
"With the world at peace, may you triumph as you are present." Said 24 times.
"These are the vows of the Senate, these are the vows of the Roman people." Said 10 times.
"Dearer than children, dearer than parents." Said 16 times.
"Extinguishers of informers, extinguishers of calumnies." Said 28 times.