ACTIO DE IN REM VERSO

For the sake of comprehensiveness, we should at this point have a look at the last remedy (actio de in rem verso)^[604] and examine how the principal’s enrichment (versum) as a result of his dependant’s activity shows in his own accounts (rationes dominicae), namely in his codex accepti et expensi^[605].

There is undoubtedly a connection between the principal’s main account and his slaves’ sub-accounts (including peculia of vicarii). The jurists are mute about it, and there is no documentary evidence in spite of the wealth of surviving accounts in papyri and wooden tablets. We may assume that such documents did exist, and will be identified as such in a nearby future.^[606] The production, use and conservation of such documents require a rather high level of literacy and numeracy, and specific skills in financial administra­tion and business management. Whether such competencies are likely to be found among those slaves, aliens and have-nots who were involved in crafts and trade is debatable.^[607]

10.