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HISTODEX

Creation of the Twelve Tables

451 BC

Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians.

A historical reconstruction of rulers, administration, and society at the Roman Forum, showing the setting of Creation of the Twelve Tables
Reconstruction note: This educational reconstruction is not a primary-source image of the event.
Period
451 BC
Kind
Political event
Regions
Europe
Keywords
Creation of the Twelve Tables · the Roman Forum · ancient · background · turning point · impact

Follow the story · Four stages

  1. Background

    Political, social, and commercial changes around the Roman Forum formed the setting: Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians.

    • In and around the Roman Forum, the setting took shape as Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians.
    • Core event: Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians.
    • Connection to the next stage: Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians. The change unfolded through decisions by rulers, institutions, and local communities.
    Historical reconstruction of Creation of the Twelve Tables's background: In and around the Roman Forum, the setting took shape as Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians.

  2. Course

    Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians. The choices of the participating powers and responses of local communities shaped the course.

    • Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians.
    • The change unfolded through decisions by rulers, institutions, and local communities.
    • Conditions behind the action: In and around the Roman Forum, the setting took shape as Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians.
    Historical reconstruction of Creation of the Twelve Tables's central action: Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians.

  3. Outcome

    As a result, The tables became a symbol of making law public and allowing citizens to refer to legal procedures.

    • The tables became a symbol of making law public and allowing citizens to refer to legal procedures.
    • Process producing the result: Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians. The change unfolded through decisions by rulers, institutions, and local communities.
    • Question carried forward: In the longer term, the tables became a symbol of making law public and allowing citizens to refer to legal procedures.
    Historical reconstruction of Creation of the Twelve Tables's immediate aftermath: The tables became a symbol of making law public and allowing citizens to refer to legal procedures.

  4. Historical significance

    The significance of this event lies in the fact that the tables became a symbol of making law public and allowing citizens to refer to legal procedures.

    • In the longer term, the tables became a symbol of making law public and allowing citizens to refer to legal procedures.
    • Immediate consequence: The tables became a symbol of making law public and allowing citizens to refer to legal procedures.
    • Historical turning point: Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians.
    Historical reconstruction of Creation of the Twelve Tables's long-term consequences: In the longer term, the tables became a symbol of making law public and allowing citizens to refer to legal procedures.

Related events

  1. c. 494 BC

    Plebeians secure their tribunes

    Historical reconstruction of “Plebeians secure their tribunes” in Creation of the Twelve Tables

    Plebeians secure their tribunes — In and around the Roman Forum, the setting took shape as Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians.

  2. c. 462 BC

    Demand for a written law code

    Historical reconstruction of “Demand for a written law code” in Creation of the Twelve Tables

    Demand for a written law code — Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians. The change unfolded through decisions by rulers, institutions, and local communities.

  3. c. 451 BC

    First ten tables drafted

    Current event

    Historical reconstruction of “First ten tables drafted” in Creation of the Twelve Tables

    First ten tables drafted — Roman customary law was displayed in twelve tables, becoming a focal point in negotiations between patricians and plebeians.

  4. c. 450 BC

    Final two tables added

    Historical reconstruction of “Final two tables added” in Creation of the Twelve Tables

    Final two tables added — The tables became a symbol of making law public and allowing citizens to refer to legal procedures.

  5. c. 449 BC

    Consular government restored

    Historical reconstruction of “Consular government restored” in Creation of the Twelve Tables

    Consular government restored — In the longer term, the tables became a symbol of making law public and allowing citizens to refer to legal procedures.

Sources