Ancient laws refer to the legal systems and codes established by early civilizations to maintain order and justice. These laws often addressed issues such as property rights, family relations, and criminal behavior. Notable examples include the Code of Hammurabi from ancient Babylon, which is one of the earliest written legal codes, and the Twelve Tables of ancient Rome, which laid the foundation for Roman law. These laws were typically inscribed on stone tablets or written on papyrus, making them accessible to the public. They played a crucial role in shaping societal norms and governance, influencing modern legal systems around the world.