1. Concept and history
The Rota (often Rota Romana) gradually emerged in the 13th century as the court of law of the papal Curia (see Papacy) [9. 36 f.]; [4. 1193]; [8. 222]. Rota was not its official name, but became current in the 14th century. It probably derived from the wheel-shaped marble inlay in the floor of the hall of the papal palace at Avignon in which the judges of the court assembled for consultations [8. 226]. The popes began appointing clerics with legal expertise …