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About us Faculty of Law International programmes Incoming exchange (guest students) Course Information

Byzantine Law (6 ECTS)

Lecturer(s): mr. D. Penna

When: Block 3+4

Brief course description:
Following the long tradition of studies and research in Byzantine Law, the University of Groningen offers the course Byzantine Law. This English taught course introduces the sources of law in the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire, covering the period from the founding of Constantinople in 330 to the fall of the Empire in 1453. The emphasis is on the development and character of the Greek adaptations of the legislation of Justinian, most of which was originally issued in Latin. The nature of the most important sources and their interrelations are illustrated by examples. Besides, medieval legal documents, such as court decisions and imperial acts give an impression of how these sources were interpreted and applied in legal practice. Some special topics are discussed, for example, issues of international private law and maritime law in the Eastern Mediterranean of the Middle Ages and the position of church law in Byzantium. The texts are discussed during the lectures; as they are all written in Greek and Latin, English translations are provided.

Depending on the sources, the possibility exists of discussing special topics upon request.
This course is also recommended to e.g. students of Greek and Latin, Ancient and Medieval History and Theology.

Teaching method: Seminar

Assessment: Short paper, presentation and oral exam. The exam consists of the writing and the presentation of a short paper and an oral exam. The presentations of the papers of the students are held in the last week.

*Official course information and schedules during the academic year can be found in Ocasys.

Last modified:05 April 2023 11.52 a.m.