Legal Definitions - signatorius anulus

signatorius anulus is a Latin term referring to a signet ring. In ancient Roman law and throughout history, a signet ring served as a personal emblem used to authenticate documents, seal letters, and signify authority or agreement. It functioned as a unique personal mark, much like a signature today, providing proof of origin and preventing tampering.

• Example 1: Sealing a Legal Document
  Imagine a wealthy Roman citizen preparing their last will and testament. To ensure its authenticity and prevent any unauthorized alterations after their death, they would melt a small amount of wax onto the folded document and then press their personal signatorius anulus into the warm wax.

  Explanation: The unique impression left by the signet ring acted as a verifiable seal, confirming that the document originated from the testator and had not been opened or tampered with since it was sealed. This provided legal proof of the will's integrity.

• Example 2: Authorizing Official Correspondence
  A Roman governor, needing to send an important directive to a distant city within their province, would dictate the message to a scribe. Once the letter was written, the governor would fold it and apply their official signatorius anulus to a wax seal on the envelope.

  Explanation: The impression from the governor's signet ring on the sealed letter served as an immediate visual confirmation of its official origin and authority. It communicated to the recipient that the message was genuinely from the governor and carried the full weight of their office.

• Example 3: Witnessing a Contract
  During a formal agreement for the sale of a property in ancient Rome, both the buyer and the seller, along with several witnesses, might each press their individual signatorius anulus into separate wax seals affixed to the written contract.

  Explanation: Each signet ring impression on the contract served as a distinct personal seal, signifying the individual's participation and agreement to the terms. For the witnesses, their seals attested to the validity of the transaction, providing additional legal corroboration.