Tradition tells us that the code which was to govern Roman life was composed by a commission, first of ten and then of twelve men, in 451-450 BCE. It was then ratified by the Centuriate Assembly in 449 BCE. The laws were engraved on twelve tablets – hence the title – which were attached to the a speaking platform (rostra) which sat before the Roman Senate in the forum. By putting the twelve tables in the middle of what was the main public square, the Romans made their foundational laws accessible to all. Anyone who could read could know the law.
Some of my favorite gems from the twelve tables include:
- If the defendant attempts evasion or takes flight the plaintiff shall lay hand on him. (The accuser got to chase down the accused, and kidnap them to force them to court???)
- A notably deformed child shall be killed immediately.
- Women, even though they are of full age, because of their levity of mind shall be under guardianship … except vestal virgins, who … shall be free from guardianship …
- If anyone sings or composes an incantation that can cause dishonor or disgrace to another … he shall suffer a capital penalty
- Expenses of a funeral shall be limited to three mourners wearing veils and one mourner wearing an inexpensive purple tunic and ten flutists . …
- … A myrrh-spiced drink … shall not be poured on a dead person. (This is randomly specific.)
You can read all of the surviving Twelve Tables at The Avalon Project
