Brief notes on the inscriptiones of the Digest

Abstract

The paper develops some considerations on the form, content and function of the Digest inscriptiones. In particular, it seeks the reasons that led Justinian to insert the indication of the work and, on the other hand, omit the indication of the titles – that is, the internal divisions – of the original books. As for the function of the inscriptiones, we come to the conclusion that, behind the respect and deference for the jurists of the past, there was probably also Justinian’s intention to defend his work with the powerful and authoritative voice of the ancients.