Book XXI
Concerning other matters
De aliorum
Diocletian and Maximian, 17 November 290:
One rightly possessing property, which they hold without blemish (id est without force, stealth or suffrance) may ward off an attack upon it, with the moderation of necessary protection.
Diocletian and Maximian, 18 December 293:
Just as every person is at liberty to choose any name, first and last, that they wish, for the purpose of recognition, so a change thereof involves no peril, for those who have no evil motive. Hence, if you have no fraudulent purpose, you are not forbidden, as has often been decided, to change your first or last name, and no prejudice to you can arise therefrom.
Diocletian and Maximian, Sirmium, 22 October 294:
No one is rightly prohibited from using a public highway.
Constantine I, 27 April 319:
The greater rank attained by anyone does not abridge the privileges obtained by reason of an already held rank or service.
Constantine I, Berytus, 1 October 325:
Bloody spectacles displease us amid public peace and domestic tranquillity. We therefore order that there may be no more gladiator combats.
Valens, Gratian and Valentinian II, Treves, 10 March 376:
We do not envy, but rather encourage, the embrace of pursuits which make a people happy, so that the giving of athletic contests may be restored.
Gratian, Valentinian II and Theodosius I, Constantinople, 2 February 383:
Whenever any event, fortunate to us, is announced; when wars cease; when we have victories; when the names of new consuls are enrolled; when it is to be made known that the conclusion of peace has brought repose; when we show the picture of the emperor to the wondering multitude, these things shall be announced to and received by the people without incurring immoderate expense.
Gratian, Valentinian II and Theodosius I, Constantinople, 30 January 386:
All persons of rank, civil or military, may always use the vehicles of their rank, that is, carriages, within the city of Constantinople.
Valentinian II, Theodosius I and Arcadius, 1 July 391:
We grant everyone the right to resist a soldier or a person in private station who enters fields as a nocturnal plunderer, or besets frequented roads with intentions of robbery, as by doing so they have incurred the danger which they themselves threatened.
Theodosius I, Arcadius and Honorius, Constantinople, 5 July 394:
Should officials inscribe their names on any work constructed with public money, they must include mention of Our Imperial Majesty.
Arcadius, Honorius, and Theodosius II, 2 October 403:
We rightly give permission for any person to seize a deserter and deliver them to their officers or to the police.
Valentinian III and Marcian, 452:
We have restored the order of the consulate to its ancient dignity so that the populace will gather about our seat of honour out of respect, and not out of any desire of plunder, and may behold the venerable attire of the fathers, and the felicitous ornaments of antiquity, upon abandoning all desire for gain. Future consuls must conduct their processions in accordance herewith and must not squander their money uselessly. The despicable custom, therefore, of scattering it about, shall cease, and the exalted consuls shall hereafter in their processions abstain from such foolish waste.
Leo I, Constantinople, 9 November 465:
Whoever, although not subject to any obligation, has voluntarily fulfilled any position of burden in any place, shall not be thereby prejudiced as to either their property or as to their status, but they shall remain free and exempt from being tied to said position. In fact, we ordain by this law that if anyone has voluntarily performed a public burden or function without being compelled to do and not for the sake of remuneration, they ought to be rewarded.
Justinian I, Constantinople, 22 September 529:
The game of dice is ancient, but in the course of times has become a calamity, thousands of others succumbing thereto. Some play it, not knowing anything of the game, except to name the figures on the dice, and have lost their property by playing day and night with silver, precious stones and gold. Desiring, therefore, to look after the interests of our subjects, we ordain by this general law that no one shall be permitted to play in private or public places, either in appearance or in earnest. If this order is violated, no penalty shall follow, but lost money shall be repaid and recovered in a proper action brought by those who have lost, or by their heirs.