An original study on the theory, as well as the intellectual history, of private international law this book traces a comprehensive history of the discipline and contemplates the doctrinal and epistemological foundations of the conflict of laws. Its critical and systematic examination of the existing literature on the history of private international law is the first of its kind. The meticulous case studies of medieval and early modern texts will contribute to a better appreciation of 'pre-classical' scholarship and the complexities of doctrinal work and system-building.