The Institutes of Gaius

"The value attached to Gaius's powers of theoretical exposition, and to the admirable clearness and method which made his Institutions the basis of all future teaching in Roman law, must have been great..." -A. H. J. Greenidge, Introduction, The Institutes of Gaius (1904) The Institutes of Gaius (1904) written by Gaius in AD 161, is considered an authoritative text on private Roman law beginning in the second century and for the three centuries that followed. This fourth edition was originally translated from Latin by Edward Poste and was revised by E. A. Whittuck with a historical introduction by A. H. J. Greenidge. The book is divided into four sections: the first, the status of persons; the second and third, property rights; and the fourth, procedural actions. This timeless text is an essential read for those interested in understanding the foundation and history of law.