The Theodosian Code is a compilation of laws issued by the Roman Emperor Theodosius II in the 5th century AD. It was created to organize and consolidate existing Roman laws, making them more accessible and understandable. The code includes laws on various topics, such as religion, administration, and criminal justice, reflecting the values and priorities of the time. Completed in 438 AD, the Theodosian Code served as an important legal reference for the Eastern Roman Empire. It influenced later legal systems and was a precursor to the Justinian Code, which further refined Roman law in the 6th century.