Laws of the Himyarites - Paperback

by Gregentios of Taphar (Author), D. P. Curtin (Translator)

The Law of the Himyarites, also known by its Greek title 'Nomoi ton Homeriton' (Νόμοι των Όμηριτών), or by its Latin 'Leges Homeritarum' is a composite text of hagiography and some authentic pre-Islamic South Arabian jurisprudence. Differentiating pious legend from historical Himyarite law remains a point of academic debate. The laws enclosed are not arranged thematically, but may be categorized under seven different themes: (1) Marriage law; (2) the institution of slavery; (3) right of employment; (4) Social deviance; (5) cruelty against animals; (6) Proprietorial law; (7) and regulation of State officeholders. Within the last class are laws concerning sorcery, poisoning, perjury, theft, extrajudicial punishments, infringing ecclesiastical asylum, workhouses for criminals and prohibitions on begging.