"Novellae" refers to a collection of new laws or legal reforms that were added to the existing body of Roman law, particularly during the Byzantine Empire. These laws were issued by various emperors, most notably Emperor Justinian I, and aimed to address contemporary legal issues and improve the administration of justice. The term "Novellae" is derived from the Latin word for "new." The most significant compilation of these laws is found in the Corpus Juris Civilis, which was a comprehensive codification of Roman law. The Novellae played a crucial role in shaping legal systems in Europe and influenced modern legal thought.