An aproach to the legal shift of patria potestas: from Rome to the Visigoth Law

Abstract

The Patria potestas emerged as an absolute, original and exclusive right to Roman citizens. This potestas of the paterfamilias encompassed atrocious powers guaranteeing the unity of the family and their offspring by male. However, this right was being gradually limited and went through relevant changes throughout the history of Rome. The fall of the Western Roman Empire did not bring with it its derogation, since the patria potestas remained in force within the Spanish Visigothic Kingdom.