The codification of laws known as the Twelve Tables was a significant development in ancient Rome, enacted around 450 BCE. These tables were the first attempt to create a written set of laws that applied equally to all Roman citizens, addressing various aspects of legal rights, property, family, and criminal justice. The Twelve Tables aimed to limit the arbitrary power of the patrician class, ensuring that the laws were publicly accessible and understandable, which fundamentally contributed to the development of Roman law. This codification laid the groundwork for future legal systems in Europe and influenced Western law significantly.