Legal Definitions - chirographum

In ancient Roman law, a chirographum referred to a document that was entirely handwritten, typically by the person making a promise or acknowledging an obligation. It served as a personal record or proof of an agreement, often used to confirm a debt or an undertaking, with the significance lying in its creation by the individual's own hand.

• Example 1: Loan Acknowledgment

  A Roman citizen named Lucius borrows 50 sesterces from his neighbor, Gaius. To formalize the arrangement, Lucius writes a brief note stating, "I, Lucius, acknowledge receipt of 50 sesterces from Gaius, to be repaid by the next market day." He then signs this note and gives it to Gaius.

  This handwritten note, created and signed by Lucius himself, serves as a chirographum because it is a personal acknowledgment of a debt, written in the debtor's own hand, providing clear evidence of the obligation.

• Example 2: Agreement for Services

  A wealthy matron, Cornelia, commissions a skilled artisan, Marcus, to create a custom mosaic for her villa. To ensure both parties are clear on the design, materials, and payment schedule, Marcus drafts a detailed document in his own hand outlining these terms, which both he and Cornelia then sign.

  While signed by both, the document primarily functions as a chirographum from Marcus's perspective as the party undertaking the work. He personally drafted the terms of his commitment and the details of the service in his own hand, creating a direct, personal record of the agreement he was bound by.

• Example 3: Receipt for Goods

  A grain merchant, Publius, sells a large quantity of wheat to a baker, Quintus. Upon receiving the full payment, Publius takes a small wax tablet and, using a stylus, writes, "Received 100 denarii from Quintus for twenty measures of wheat," and adds his personal mark or signature.

  This handwritten receipt, created by Publius himself to confirm the transaction and payment, acts as a chirographum. It is a direct, personal record acknowledging the receipt of funds, providing proof of the completed sale from the merchant's own hand.