What were the Twelve Tables?

Question

Here is the question : WHAT WERE THE TWELVE TABLES?

Option

Here is the option for the question :

  • First written Roman laws
  • List of Roman Gods
  • Rome’s annual tax bill
  • A large public dining area

The Answer:

And, the answer for the the question is :

FIRST WRITTEN ROMAN LAWS

Explanation:

The Twelve Tables, drafted circa 450 BCE, represent the first codification of Roman law. Written on bronze tablets, their purpose was to prohibit patricians from misusing their authority and guarantee the protection of plebeians’ legal rights in Rome. Even though new laws were enacted after the tablet laws were put on display in the Roman Forum, they were never overturned.

What were the Twelve Tables?
The Twelve Tables were the first written laws of ancient Rome. They were created in 451 BCE, during the early years of the Roman Republic. The laws were inscribed on twelve bronze tablets and publicly displayed in the Forum, the central gathering place of the city.

Before the Twelve Tables, Roman law was based on custom and tradition, and was enforced by the ruling class. This often led to arbitrary and unfair treatment of the lower classes. The creation of the Twelve Tables marked a significant turning point in Roman history, as it established a written legal code that applied to all citizens, regardless of their social status.

The laws covered a wide range of issues, including property rights, criminal law, and family law. They also established the principle of equality before the law, and provided a framework for resolving disputes between citizens. For example, one of the laws stated that a debtor who could not pay his debts could be sold into slavery, but only for a maximum of sixty days. This limited the power of creditors and provided some protection for debtors.

The Twelve Tables were not a complete legal code, and were often expanded and revised over the centuries. However, they remained a fundamental part of Roman law and influenced legal systems throughout Europe and the world. The principles of equality before the law and the protection of individual rights that they established are still relevant today.

The creation of the Twelve Tables was a significant achievement for the Roman Republic, as it established a legal system that was accessible to all citizens. It also marked a shift away from the arbitrary rule of the ruling class and towards a more democratic and egalitarian society. The legacy of the Twelve Tables continues to be felt today, and they remain an important part of Roman history and the history of law.