Oaths in Premodern Japan and Premodern Europe. An Introduction

This introduction to this collection of articles on oaths in premodern Japan and premodern Latin Europe aims merely to survey the data presented in the articles, and some comparativist findings. It considers terminology, chronology, avoidance of oath-taking, identity of oath-takers, diversity in formulas and practices of swearing, depending on hierarchy and situations, sanctions for perjury, and the efficiency (or not) of oaths.