Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Abbreviations xi

Introduction 1

1. Co-evolution of Law and Economy 8

2. Mechanisms of Legal Evolution 38

3. Economic Environment 62

4. Origins 87

5. From Forfeiture to Sale 128

6. From Pignus to Hypotheca 174

7. From Single to Multiple Pledge 218

8. Pignus Nominis and Antichresis 245

9. From Special to General Pledge 268

10. Fiscal Privileges and Title Registries 317

11. Late Classical Execution Practices 343

12. Adaptedness of Pignus and Hypotheca 366

Appendix 391

Bibliography 397

Index 417

Index of Sources 426