Address pronounced in Charles University Prague on 7 April 2008 after having received the degree of doctor honoris causa in legal sciences

In his ceremonial address on the occasion of being awarded the degree of doctor honoris causa at Charles University, Hans Ankum reflects on nearly sixty years of work in the field of Roman law. He highlights the intellectual richness and the impressive reasoning of the classical Roman jurists. Ankum explains why the sources of Roman law never became tedious to him and demonstrates the relevance of Roman legal methods for modern legal systems. He also affirms the university’s mission to open paths toward “knowledge and wisdom” and regards the texts of the classical jurists as enduring and valuable tools for legal education.