Vidimi – the Middle Ages authenticated copies

Today, the authenticated copy is an everyday document that already existed in the Middle Ages: the "vidimus" (Latin for "we have seen"). This form of document consists of a framework text in addition to the actual copy of an earlier charter. In this, the certifying issuer marked the document as a copy, described any external features of the original, such as the seal, and stated the date of issue. The content of the seen document was usually taken over verbatim, but the external form, possible decorations or even the language could differ. Although the vidimus mainly served an authenticating function and the issuer was therefore not liable for the content, implicit legal changes could still occur in the copies. As is the case today, such authenticated copies were made at the request of the recipient and the issuer required payment in return. The issuers were mainly ecclesiastical dignitaries and institutions until the spread of the notary’s office in the course of the 14th/15th century. The vidimi shown here were issued by none other than the Emperor himself. He was able to stage-manage his rule using the vidimi, because the documents authenticated by him always had an (un)intended affirming effect. The emperor was by no means obliged to renew the privileges of the cities, but he was happy to do so and was well paid for this favour. The recipient was also happy to pay, because it was in his interest to have the charter (and the rights assured therein) confirmed. An issue by the emperor himself also increased the value of the charter.

Romina Knecht