Le Costituzioni di Antonino Caracalla

This monograph offers a comprehensive examination of the imperial constitutions issued by Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla, drawing upon the Codex and Digesta Iustiniani, alongside epigraphic, papyrological, and codicological evidence. Moving beyond traditional historiographical narratives that depict Caracalla merely as a military autocrat influenced by hostile senatorial sources, this study reveals a sophisticated sovereign deeply engaged in jurisprudence and the administration of justice. By systematically analyzing over three hundred legal enactments, the research highlights the prince's commitment to contractual equity, social welfare, and the protection of vulnerable groups, including minors and provincials. Furthermore, the volume explores the analogical application of imperial rescripts and reassesses Caracalla's legislative framework within the broader context of Severan legal policy, ultimately demonstrating his active role in shaping Roman law and upholding legal coherence.