Capitulationem

Capitulationem is a Latin noun used to denote a capitulation, that is, a formal agreement that typically specifies surrender terms, privileges, or concessions granted by one party to another. In medieval and early modern diplomacy the term appeared in Latin texts to describe the written articles and conditions of a treaty or surrender, often enumerated as capitula (the “chapters” or clauses) of the agreement.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Latin caput or caputulum, conveying the idea of heading or article, and came to signify the set of agreed terms. In Latin writings the form capitulationem is the accusative singular, used when the agreement itself or the act of agreeing to terms is described in the sentence.

Historical contexts: The concept is well attested in diplomacy and interstate negotiations. The Capitulaciones de Granada (1491) set the surrender terms of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada to the Crown of Castile. The Capitulaciones de Santa Fe (1492) formalized the terms under which Christopher Columbus would undertake his voyage. Across centuries, various capitulations between the Ottoman Empire and European powers granted privileges to foreign merchants or diplomats, often defining extraterritorial rights and other concessions.

Modern usage: In historical scholarship, capitulationem or capitulations are used to refer to such negotiated terms or to the practice of surrender in a military or political context. In English, the term capitulation remains common to describe a surrender or negotiated agreement, with its Latin source appearing in older documents and scholarly works.