Historical legal codes are systematic collections of laws and regulations that govern a society. They serve as foundational documents that outline the rights and responsibilities of individuals, as well as the penalties for violations. Notable examples include the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest known legal codes from ancient Babylon, and the Twelve Tables of ancient Rome, which established legal standards for Roman citizens. These codes reflect the values and norms of their respective cultures and often influence modern legal systems. They provide insight into the social order, justice, and governance of their time, shaping the development of law throughout history.