Comedies of Plautus as an Information Source of Roman Law

The article addresses the issue of using literary sources, particularly the comedies of Titus Maccius Plautus, in the study of pre-classical Roman law. Taking into account the absence of primary legal sources from the archaic and pre-classical periods, Plautus’ plays represent an important, though methodologically problematic, source of knowledge of the law applicable in his time. The analysis highlights the presence of various legal institutes in his works – ranging from slavery and manumission, through familial legal relations based on potestas patria and manus, the institutions of dowry and divorce, to various contractual, delictual, property law and procedural institutes. At the same time, it draws attention to the risks associated with the adaptation of Greek models and the fictionalization of the legal environment. The aim of the article is therefore to assess the evidentiary value of Plautus’ comedies and their place in the reconstruction of Roman law from the examined period.