Book of the Consulate of the Sea

Book of the Consulate of the Sea, a celebrated collection of Mediterranean maritime customs and ordinances in the Catalan language, published in 1494. The title is derived from the commercial judges of the maritime cities on the Mediterranean coast, who were known as consuls. The book contains a code of procedure issued by the kings of Aragon for the guidance of the consular courts, as well as a collection of ancient customs of the sea. Also included is a body of ordinances for the regulation of warships.