Contacts Between Roman Law and Ancient Chinese Law Cover Image

Setkání římského práva s právem staré Číny
Contacts Between Roman Law and Ancient Chinese Law

Author(s): Michal Tomášek
Subject(s): History of Law
Published by: Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Nakladatelství Karolinum
Keywords: Roman law; ancient Chinese law; Silk road; ius gentium; Lex Rhodia de iactu

Summary/Abstract: Two big ancient civilizations – Roman and Chinese – created important legal systems which were to influence legal development in Europe and in China respectively. Archeologic discoveries prove there has been exchange of goods between both empires. China was exporting silk to Rome, Romans were exporting glass to China. In 2nd century BC, Han dynasty emperor opened a commercial route later named “Silk road”. Chinese were protecting their exports by military convoys applying their legal regulations. On some spots, they transmitted their goods to intermediators who were dealing with Roman merchants. Romans were using their ius gentium. For maritime trade Chinese opened ports under state surveillance in today’s Vietnam. There are no proofs that Chinese were interested in Roman law and vice versa. Although Romans were visiting Han dynasty court no official Chinese envoy has ever visited Roman officials.

  • Issue Year: 50/2020
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 9-21
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Czech