The Twelve Tables were a set of laws created in ancient Rome around 450 BCE. They were established to provide a written code of conduct for citizens and to ensure that all people, regardless of social class, had access to the law. The tables covered various aspects of daily life, including property rights, family law, and legal procedures. These laws were significant because they marked the first time that Roman law was codified, making it more transparent and accessible. The Twelve Tables laid the foundation for future legal systems in Rome and influenced the development of law in many Western societies.