Functioning of the cursus publicus in the 4th – at the beginning of the 5th century AD according to the Codex Theodosianus

Abstract

The article is devoted to the phenomenon of cursus publicus in the Roman Empire in the 4^th – at the beginning of the 5^th century AD. The functioning of the “public way” in that period is described in detail in the Codex Theodosianus. It is also mentioned in the writings of contemporaries such as Eusebius of Caesarea, Ammianus Marcellinus and Libanius. Unlike modern mail, the task of the cursus was not to transport goods, but to create conditions for the movement of goods, people and information. Cursus publicus was a system of postal stations: large (mansiones) and smaller (mutationes), where travelers could rest and change transport. The stations were about 7 miles or two hours away from each other.

Two categories of people had the predominant right to use the stations: imperial envoys-postmen and high-ranking officials in the performance of their official duties. To confirm this right, travelers had to show the postal warrant to special officials in the provinces, who were called curiosi. The warrant specified in details the period of the trip, the route of travel, as well as the transport and animals that the traveler could claim. In fact, the number of users of the cursus publicus was much wider due to corruption both during issuing warrants and checking them during travel. This provoked a huge increase in expenses for the “public way”. Trying to reduce them, the state constantly narrowed the circle of persons who could issue warrants. At various times, it was forbidden to issue warrants, in particular, to judges, governors of provinces, vicars of dioceses, prefects of cities, as well as military ranks: duces and magistri militum.

At the stations there were animals and wagons both for fast transportation of people (cursus velox) and for cargo transportation (cursus clabularis). The station was staffed by an overseer (manceps) and state slaves who performed various functions. The position of station supervisor was unattractive: it was held for 5 years and did not give tangible preferences. In the end, the curials were forced to perform this duty, despite their active displeasure. The duty to provide the cursus publicus with everything necessary was assigned by the state to the provincial population. The state from the IV century tried to limit expenses on “Roman mail”. Thus, the emperor Julian stopped the work of cursus velox on the island of Sardinia. In the future, such a policy will continue. However, in a slightly modified form, the “public way” will continue its work during the classical Byzantine era.