Book excerpt: The Civil Law of Rome in its developed form -- in its clarity, simplicity and orderliness -- is undoubtedly one of the supreme achievements of the human mind and spirit. Brought to its finest flowering by the Emperor Justinian, it has had a continuing and pervading influence on subsequent civilizations. Soon after becoming emperor, Justinian put in train the codification of the law, which had evolved over thirteen centuries. In 533 the Commission, headed by 'the eminent Tribonian', published "The digest", their most celebrated and substantial work. The selections contained in this volume constitute the Roman law of delicts. Most of the cases discussed arise from everyday events and provide a fascinating picture of the ordinary life of the Roman world: from town to country and from cool villa to densely packed tenement. [Back cover].