OATHS

OATHS
   A solemnly sworn oath was the most binding of all agreements or testimonies. It was thought to be irrevocable, and the oath breaker would automatically be destroyed by the divine power of the oath. As such, oaths were only undertaken in serious cases. In Mesopotamian law courts, defendants had to swear an oath or undergo an ordeal when there was no reliable witness or any other proof of their innocence. In property disputes, litigants could choose between paying a fine or taking the oath; most preferred the latter. Oaths were sworn on emblems of gods, who were thus witnesses and protectors of the agreement. International treaties and vassal treaties were also concluded by oaths; here the parties swore on the deities of their own countries. They often include self-imprecations detailing what dreadful events should befall those who will act contrary to any of the clauses of the treaty.
   See also RELIGION.

Historical Dictionary of Mesopotamia. . 2012.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Oaths — • An invocation to God to witness the truth of a statement Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006. Oaths     Oaths     † …   Catholic encyclopedia

  • Oaths — Oath Oath ([=o]th), n.; pl. {Oaths} ([=o][th]z). [OE. othe, oth, ath, AS. [=a][eth]; akin to D. eed, OS. [=e][eth], G. eid, Icel. ei[eth]r, Sw. ed, Dan. eed, Goth. ai[thorn]s; cf. OIr. oeth.] 1. A solemn affirmation or declaration, made with a… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Oaths Act — is a stock short title used in the United Kingdom for legislation relating to oaths and affirmation. Oaths Acts is a term of art. List The Oaths of Minors Act 1681 The Oaths Act 1775 The Oaths Act 1838 (1 2 Vict c 105) The Oaths Act 1888 (51 52… …   Wikipedia

  • Oaths of Strasbourg — (multiple texts) Also known as Sacramenta Argentariae (Latin), les serments de Strasbourg (Modern French), die Straßburger Eide (Modern German) Language medieval Latin, Old French …   Wikipedia

  • Oaths, English Post-Reformation — • The English Reformation having been imposed by the Crown, it was natural that submission to the essential points of its formularies should have been exacted with some solemnity, by oath, test, or formal declaration . . . Catholic Encyclopedia.… …   Catholic encyclopedia

  • Oaths Act 1888 — The Oaths Act 1888 (51 52 Vict. c.46) was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which set out provisions whereby the oath of allegiance taken to the Sovereign may be solemnly affirmed rather than sworn to God. The Act was the culmination …   Wikipedia

  • Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy Act 1688 — The Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy Act 1688 (1 Will. Mar., c. 8) was an Act of the Parliament of England passed in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution. The Act required all office holders, Members of Parliament and clergy to take the… …   Wikipedia

  • Oaths, Land and Sea Forces Act 1817 — The Oaths, Land and Sea Forces Act 1817 (57 Geo. III, c. 92) was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Act opened up all ranks in the Army and Navy to Roman Catholics and Dissenters.[1] Notes ^ Dudley Julius Medley, A Student s… …   Wikipedia

  • oaths — ➡ swear words * * * …   Universalium

  • oaths — əʊθ; pl.əʊðz n. solemn vow; words of a solemn promise; curse …   English contemporary dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”