Roman Law and the Legal World of the Romans

Documents

[20] FIRA 3.64

In the matter between, on the one hand, Dionysius, son of Manlius, cavalryman (ret.), whom Marcus Trebius Heraclides, horseman of the Aprian troop, squad of Acamans, son of this Dionysius, and, on the other, Marcus Apronius and Marcus Manlius, horsemen of the troop of the Vocontii, squad of Domesticus, about degree of relationship, that is, which of them is closer to Dionysius, son of Manlius, horseman of the Aprian troop, for purposes of taking possession of his estate, since he is said to have died intestate, L. Silius Laetus, prefect of the camp, designated P. Matius of Legion III Cyrenaica as judge and ordered him to pass judgment. Publius Matius of Legion III Cyrenaica, after he summoned [several decurions of other troops] to assist and both sides pleaded their cases and their affidavits were read, spoke his verdict: it seemed to him that Dionysius, son of Manlius, was the brother of the brother of the deceased Dionysius, but that Apronius and Manlius are sons of the sister of this Dionysius, who produced documents of the relationship, and the goods in question of Dionysius were to be adjudged to this Dionysius, son of Manlius, cavalryman (ret.). Done in Egypt in Camp [name lost], in the Heliopolite nome , 5 November 42 [the precise date is uncertain]. This is an extremely rare example of a decision rendered in • a particular case that was actually litigated. Unlike many

5 “ Nomes ” were local administrative districts peculiar to Egypt.

256