Roman law evolved from unwritten customs under kings to a codified system that shaped modern civil law. From the Twelve Tables to Justinian’s Corpus Juris Civilis, it reflected shifts in power, social protest, and legal reform. Its legacy endures in legal systems worldwide.

The Laws of Ur-Nammu, dating to around 2100 BCE, are the oldest known legal code in history — predating Hammurabi by centuries. Issued in ancient Sumer, this early Mesopotamian code emphasized fairness and monetary compensation over physical punishment, offering deep insight into early justice systems and social values. Its legacy helped shape the foundations of written law in human civilization.