Papinian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Papinian
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Statue by Silvio Sbricoli, Palace of Justice of Rome
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| Birth name | Aemilius Paulus Papinianus |
| Born | 142 CE Emesa, Roman Syria |
| Died | 212 CE (aged 69–70) Rome |
| Allegiance | Roman Empire |
| Years of service | 205 CE–212 CE |
| Rank | Praetorian prefect |
| Unit | Praetorian Guard |
Aemilius Papinianus (Ancient Greek: Αἰμίλιος Παπινιανός; 142 CE–212 CE), often called Papinian, was a very famous Roman legal expert. He was a jurist, which means he was an expert in law. He also held important government jobs.
Papinian was a magister libellorum, meaning he handled petitions and requests for the emperor. He was also an attorney general (advocatus fisci), managing the government's money and legal cases. Later, he became a praetorian prefect, a very powerful military and administrative role.
He was one of the most respected legal minds in ancient Rome. Law students in their third year were even called "Papinianistae" because they studied his work. People at the time called him "the Asylum of Right and Treasurer of the Laws."
Papinian was one of five key jurists whose opinions were considered final by the Law of Citations in 426 CE. If other jurists disagreed, Papinian's view was usually chosen. A French legal expert, Jacques Cujas, once said that there was never a greater lawyer than him.
Life of Papinian
We don't know a lot about Papinian's early life. He was from Syria, specifically from a city called Emesa. Some say he was related to Julia Domna, the second wife of Emperor Septimius Severus. Julia Domna was from the Emesene dynasty.
Papinian might have been a student of Quintus Cervidius Scaevola, another famous legal expert. Some historical writings, though not always reliable, suggest that Papinian and Emperor Severus studied law together under Scaevola.
Papinian was a close friend of Emperor Severus. He even traveled with the emperor to Britain around 207 CE. There, he helped deal with an uprising by Scottish Highlanders in the city of York.
Emperor Severus appointed Papinian to important roles. He served as an attorney general (advocatus fisci) and also as the master of petitions (magister libellorum). He was also the Treasurer and Captain of the Guard for the Emperor. Before Severus died, he asked Papinian to look after his two sons, Caracalla and Geta.
Papinian's Death
After Emperor Severus died, his sons Caracalla and Geta were supposed to rule the Roman Empire together. However, Caracalla wanted to rule alone and disliked sharing power with his brother. Papinian tried to help the brothers get along and keep peace.
Sadly, Papinian's efforts to make peace only made Caracalla angrier. Caracalla eventually ordered Papinian to be executed. This happened after Caracalla had his brother Geta killed in 212 CE. Many of Geta's friends and supporters were also killed around this time.
The exact details of Papinian's death have been told in different ways over time. Some stories might even have extra details added to them. Papinian's death was even the subject of a play written by Andreas Gryphius in 1659.
Papinian's Works
Much of Papinian's writings have been lost over time. What we still have is less than the works of other jurists like Ulpian or Paul.
His main works include:
- Quaestiones: This was a large collection of 37 books, written before 198 CE.
- Responsa: These were 19 books of legal opinions, written between 204 CE and his death.
- Definitiones and De adulteriis: These were two other books.
- Αστυνόμικος: This was a shorter work, a guide on the duties for officials who managed streets and bridges in the city.
See also
In Spanish: Papiniano para niños
