The making of Gratian's Decretum

About this book

"This book offers new perspectives on the legal and intellectual developments of the twelfth century. Gratian's collection of church law, the Decretum, was a key text in these developments. Compiled in around 1140, it remained a fundamental work on ecclesiastical law throughout and beyond the middle ages." "Until now, the many mysteries surrounding the creation of the Decretum have remained unsolved, thereby hampering exploration of the jurisprudential renaissance of the twelfth century. Professor Winroth has now discovered the original version of the Decretum, which has long lain unnoticed among medieval manuscripts, and which is about half as long as the final text. It is also different from the final version in many respects - for example, with regard to the use of Roman law sources." "The resurgence of law in the twelfth century can now be reconsidered. For example, Gratian's efforts are placed in the context of contemporary explorations of Roman law, and the conclusion is drawn that the Law School at Bologna was not founded as early as had previously been thought."--Jacket.