The Visigothic Code (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

S. P. Scott

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0260575240 ISBN 13: 9780260575241

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

Synopsis

Delve into The Visigothic Code and see how early law and church power shaped medieval Europe.

This edition brings the code to life for modern readers.

The book examines how Gothic law evolved from tribal custom into a monarchic, theocratic system. It highlights the balance between royal authority and ecclesiastical influence, especially in councils that moved to Toledo and the coronation rites that tied kings to the church. You’ll learn how Roman law and local traditions merged to form a distinct legal framework.

Through the text, the reader gains a view of how law governed everyday life—from property and contracts to taxation, inheritance, and the status of Jews. The material shows how the clergy held influence, how religious doctrine guided rulings, and how powerful assemblies shaped the realm. The tone remains practical and explanatory, with attention to how these rules affected rulers, courts, and citizens alike.

• How early law defined property, debt, and social duties
• The role of bishops and the church in governance and lawmaking
• Relations between Gothic rulers, Romans, and Jewish communities
• How the code reflects broader trends in medieval legal and political life

Ideal for readers of legal history, medieval Europe, and the shaping of European governance.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0260575240
• ISBN 13: 9780260575241
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 491