Il Foro di Augusto come espressione della restituzione della cultura giuridica privatistica e mezzo per il ristabilimento della dottrina del diritto naturale

Abstract

In conjunction with the restoration of the res publica, Augustus gave new impetus to the view that the law had to be derived from the parameters of natural law. This was accompanied by an interpretation of the law in the light of a priori principles such as pietas and bona fides. The article deals with the design of the Forum of Augustus which had been constructed by order of the princeps as a courtroom. It is shown that various peculiarities of the architectural form were intended to promote the incorporation of natural law principles into legal practice. This goal was particularly aided by a sophisticated symbolism of images that had an effect on the participants in the proceedings.