Legal Definitions - Feudorum Libri

The Feudorum Libri, a Latin term meaning "The Books of Feuds," refers to a highly influential historical compilation of legal principles governing feudal law.

Created in Milan around 1152, this five-book collection brought together various Lombardic customs and rules related to the feudal system. Although it was not an official government decree, the Feudorum Libri became the primary legal reference for understanding and applying laws concerning land tenure—the system by which land was held from a lord in exchange for service or loyalty—across much of medieval Europe. It was extensively studied in law schools and frequently cited in courts in regions such as Italy, France, and Germany, playing a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape of the era.

Here are some examples illustrating the significance and application of the Feudorum Libri:

• Medieval Court Dispute: Imagine a dispute in a 12th-century French court between two noble families over the rightful inheritance of a fief (a piece of land held under feudal tenure) after the original vassal died without a direct male heir. The presiding judge, seeking to resolve this complex land dispute, would consult the Feudorum Libri. This text would provide the established legal precedents and customs regarding the inheritance of feudal lands, the rights of the lord, and the obligations of potential heirs, guiding the court's decision.

• University Legal Education: Consider a young scholar in a 13th-century university in Bologna, Italy, who is studying to become a legal advisor to a powerful duke. A core part of his curriculum would involve the meticulous study of the Feudorum Libri. He would learn the intricate rules governing the relationship between lords and vassals, the specific types of services owed, and the proper procedures for transferring feudal holdings, thereby preparing him to provide expert legal counsel on such matters in practice.

• Local Legal Codification: Picture a count in a German principality during the 14th century who decides to standardize the diverse local customs regarding land ownership and obligations within his territory. While drafting his own local legal code, the count's legal scholars would heavily reference the Feudorum Libri as a foundational text. They would adapt its widely accepted principles of feudal tenure to create a more coherent and consistent system for their region, ensuring that their new laws aligned with broader European legal traditions.