Enemies of the Later Roman Order

The book explores the manifestation of linguistic aggression within postclassical Roman law, often perceived as emblematic of the decline during the early Byzantine era. The author employs an innovative research approach that focuses on identifying specific ideologically loaded terms within legal texts. By examining the context in which these terms are used across various legal documents, he aims to define their particular semantic fields. A significant part of the analysis is devoted to expressions with distinctly negative connotations towards individuals labeled as enemies of the state. These are scrutinized semasiologically, drawing on the traditional forms of invective found in Greek and Roman literature.

The work is structured in three segments. The first section outlines the methodological framework of the study, while the second part provides an in-depth analysis of the negative terminology utilized in pertinent legal constitutions. The final segment categorizes the groups considered threats to the Roman order and presents conclusions derived from the analysis of derogatory terms and expressions present in the legal sources. The author seeks to delineate the semantic fields of invective-related expressions by referencing extensive material, some dating back several centuries from the perspective of the late antique period. This publication is directed towards scholars and students of postclassical law, as well as historians and philologists.