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PUBLICATION OF THE JUSTINIAN CODE
A.D. 529-534
EDWARD GIBBON
The richest legacy ever left by one civilization to another was the
Justinian Code. This compilation of the entire body of the Roman
civil law (_Corpus Juris Civilis_), as evolved during the thousand
years after the Decemvirate legislation of the Twelve Tables,
comprises perhaps the most valuable historical data preserved from
ancient times. It presents a vivid and authentic picture of the
domestic life of the Romans and the rules which governed their
relations to each other. This phase of history is considered by
modern historians as of far greater importance than the chronicles
of battles and court intrigues.
The importance of the Justinian Code, however, is not that of mere
history. Its influence as a living force is what compels the
admiration and gratitude of mankind. It forms the basis of the
systems of law in all the civilized nations of the world, with the
exception of those of the English-speaking peoples, and even in
these the principles of the civil law--as the Roman law is called
in contradistinction to the common and statute law of these
nations--form the most important part of the regulations concerning
personal property.
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