Author Description

In the panorama of the writings of Roman jurisprudence, the Enchiridion (literally Manual') by Sextus Pomponius (2nd century A.D.) is a work of absolute originality and great descriptive effectiveness: the fragments we have received from Digesta Iustiniani (almost 70) give us what remains of a text in which the author, adopting an unprecedented perspective, investigates the origin of law and its progress, the magistrates and the history of scientia iuris. Our vage knowledge of the Manual, as well as that of Pomponius' biography, sometimes makes it difficult to grasp its point of view. However, the investigations carried out over the last few years perhaps allow us to start a new perspective on this work, its structure and its destination. The Enchiridion can be considered a manual mainly addressed to an audience of readers already educated in the knowledge of law, in which Pomponius' awareness of what the task of the jurist is: to devote himself to teaching and to ensure the daily improvement of ius.