A command of the praetor or provincial governor based on his imperium (e.g. Iulianus, Dig. 43,8,7) for the purpose of quickly ending disputes, especially over possessio (possession) and quasi possessio (Gai. Inst. 4,139). It always touched upon public interests. First signs of interdicta are found in Plautus (Stich. 696; 748-750; Asin. 504-509), Terence (Eun. 319f.) and the lex Agraria of 111 BC (l. 18); Cic. De or. 1,10,41 alludes to it.
Interdicta are partly orders, e.g. exhibeas (upon presentation) or restituas (upon restitution), hence interdicta exhibitor…