History of Europe

To what did the Law of Twelve Tables in ancient Rome refer?

The Twelve Tables in ancient Rome referred to the first written code of laws that applied to all Roman citizens. It was created by a committee of ten elected officials known as the decemviri, who were elected in 451 BCE specifically for the purpose of drafting the laws. The Twelve Tables addressed various aspects of Roman law, including civil procedures, criminal offenses, property rights, marriage and family laws, inheritance, and debt obligations. They were displayed publicly in the Roman Forum for all citizens to see and understand their legal rights and responsibilities. The enactment of the Twelve Tables marked a significant milestone in Roman legal history, as prior laws had largely been based on unwritten customs and precedents.