The imperial policy against heretics of restricting succession in the fourth century AD, with an appendix on the Theodosian Code

Abstract

Summary A distinctive common feature of the measures against heretics and apostates in the 4th century AD is that their rights regarding successions are being curtailed or even removed. How was that done and is here a general policy visible? And what was the purpose behind these measures? Was it merely the wish of relatives to keep assets in the family as Riedlberger suggests, or was it to prevent that these sects became affluent, or perhaps was there a theological dimension to it? Since the essential texts derive from the Theodosian Code, this collection of imperial constitutions is discussed as well.