Laws of the Twelve Tables

Twelve Tables, Laws of the, earliest Roman code of laws. Created by decemvirs (members of a council of 10 men) who based the laws on earlier Roman customs, the Laws of the Twelve Tables were written on tablets (450 B.C.) and displayed in the forum. They contained civil, criminal, and sacred legal precepts and became revered as a prime source of law. Only fragments survive.

See also: Rome, Ancient.