Historical codes refer to systematic collections of laws or rules that were established in ancient or medieval societies. These codes often served as foundational legal documents, outlining the rights and responsibilities of individuals within a community. Notable examples include the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest written legal codes from ancient Babylon, and the Twelve Tables of ancient Rome, which laid the groundwork for Roman law. These codes not only provided a framework for governance but also reflected the cultural values and social norms of their time. They were instrumental in shaping the development of legal systems in various civilizations, influencing modern laws and practices.