The University of Pavia Centre for Studies and Research on Ancient Law engages in research and advanced education in the fields of Roman and other ancient law. Every two years, in partnership with Ghislieri College, also of Pavia, CEDANT offers a “College on Ancient Law”, drawing in particular on the important Ghislieri library, founded on the basis of the collections of Pietro Ciapessoni, rector of the University of Pavia from 1914 to 1943.
The educational qualities of the College of Ancient Law are highly regarded by the international scientific community. Students first participate in college sessions and activities that integrate advanced with research and then proceed to individual research projects, presenting their results in collegial discussion of professors, instructors and students in September of the college year. Subject to approval, the written research reports are published by the Pavia University Press.
The College is held every two years. The fourteenth edition was held in 2018. The fifteenth edition, focusing on Roman civil process, has been postponed to 2022.