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Theodosian Code

Roman law
Also known as: Codex Theodosianus

Quick Summary

The Theodosian Code was a compilation of Roman laws issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius II. Published in 438 CE, it codified imperial constitutions from the reign of Constantine I onward. The code also included laws that banned paganism and penalized heresy. Theodosius II, a scholarly but easily influenced emperor, allowed others to manage his government, but he did oversee the creation of this significant legal collection. The code was a major step in organizing and standardizing Roman law.12

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