ANCIENT ROMAN

POLITICAL THOUGHT
INTRODUCTION

Stoicism
is a philosophical school founded in
ancient Greece around the 3rd century
BCE by Zeno of Citium.
Zeno of Citium
He was the founder of
the Stoic school of
philosophy, which he
taught in Athens from
about 300 BC
THE 3 STOICISM STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

Early Stoicism
refers to the foundational period of the Stoic
philosophical school which began around the
3rd century BCE with its founder, Zeno of
Citium.
THE 3 STOICISM STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

Middle Stoicism
refers to a period within the development of
Stoic philosophy, typically dated from the
death of Chrysippus (around 206 BCE) to the
early Roman Empire.
THE 3 STOICISM STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

Later or Roman Stoicism

refers to the period of Stoic philosophy that
flourished during the Roman Empire,
particularly from the 1st century BCE to the
2nd century CE.
Universal Law

refers to principles or rules that are believed

to apply to all people, societies, or
phenomena, regardless of individual
circumstances or cultural differences.
Jus Naturale
"Jus naturale" is a Latin term means
"natural law". This concept has been
influential in various philosophical and
legal traditions throughout history.
Brotherhood of man and world
citizenship
The "Brotherhood of Man" is a
concept that emphasizes the idea
of all humans being part of a single
global community, transcending
national, cultural, and ideological
boundaries.
"World Citizenship" is the
notion of belonging to the
world as a whole rather
than any specific nation or
country.
ROMAN LEGAL SYSTEM
Roman legal system, influenced by tradition
and Greek political thought, was codified in 450
BC into 12 tables, limiting interpretation and
dispute possibilities.
 Different Types of Roman Laws

Jus Civile
It was the set of
laws meant only
for Romans.
Jus Gentium
These law were applicable to both citizens
and foreigners. It was a combination of
Stoic ideas and the local law.
Jus Naturale
The natural law is higher than the law of
nations or Jus Gentium. It is based on the
nature of man.
Roman Law
It was a combination of Jus Civile, Jus
Gentium and Jus Naturale.
THE CODE OF JUSTINIAN

Is a collection of
Roman laws and legal
principles enacted
by the Roman
Emperor Justinian.
EMPEROR JUSTINIAN I
Justinian I served as
emperor of the Byzantine
Empire from 527 to 565.
Justinian is best
remembered for his work
as a legislator and
codifier.
 To oversee his new empire, Justinian
ordered legal experts to consolidate old
Roman laws into a single law code.
 The Justinian Code
can also be referred
to as The Corpus
Juris Civilis which
means The Body of
Civil Law.
The Code of Justinian is consisted of the
following:

1. The Institute
2. The Digest
3. The Decrees
4. The Novelli
The Roman contribution
to Law can be
summarized as follows:

1. SECULARISATION OF LAW
2. UNIVERSAL NATURE OF LAW
3. INDIVIDUAL AS THE CENTRE OF LEGAL
THOUGHT
4. STATE AS A LEGAL PERSON
5. PEOPLE: THE SOURCE OF LAW
6. CONTRACTUAL NATURE OF LAW
7. POWER OF THE COMMUNITY
8. CHANGING NATURE OF POWER
 Two (2) Roman Political
Thinkers Namely:

• POLYBIUS
• CICERO