Commercium

Commercium is a Latin term that refers to the act of trading or commerce. It is derived from the words "com-" meaning "together" and "mercium" meaning "goods". In ancient Rome, commercium was a legal term that referred to the right to trade and do business. It was a fundamental part of the Roman economy and society.

History

The concept of commercium has its roots in ancient Roman law. It was one of the three main types of legal relationships between Roman cities, the other two being conubium (the right to intermarry) and ius migrationis (the right to migrate). Commercium allowed cities to trade goods and services with each other, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.

Roman Commercium

In Roman society, commercium was a privilege granted to certain cities or individuals, allowing them to engage in trade. This privilege could be revoked as a form of punishment. The right to commercium also included the right to use Roman law in business transactions, which provided a level of legal protection to traders.

Modern Usage

Today, the term commercium is used in a more general sense to refer to commerce or trade. It is often used in the context of international trade law, where it refers to the right of a nation to engage in trade with other nations.

See also

• Roman law
• Roman economy
• International trade law