Home > Historic > Ancient civilizations > Ancient Greece > Greek history
The Gortyn code, Gortyn, Crete, Greece
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
The Gortyn code, Gortyn, Crete, Greece
The Gortyn code (also called the Great Code) was a legal code that was the codification of the civil law of the ancient Greek city-state of Gortyn in southern Crete. The sole source of knowledge of the code is a fragmentary boustrophedon inscription on the circular walls of what might have been a bouleuterion or other public civic building in the agora of Gortyn (pictured here). Date: circa 1910s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 11583793
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Agora Bouleuterion Carved Circular Civic Code Cretan Crete Inscribed Inscription Inscriptions Laws Legal Rule Rules Walls Codification Fragmentary Gortyn
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> Greece
> Related Images
> Historic
> Ancient civilizations
> Ancient Greece
> Greek history
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Gortyn Code, discovered in the agora of Gortyn, Crete, Greece, is an ancient legal code that dates back to the Hellenistic period, circa 190 BC. This fragmentary inscription, carved in boustrophedon style (reading from left to right and then right to left in alternate lines), was found on the circular walls of what is believed to have been a bouleuterion or other public civic building. The code provides valuable insights into the civil law of the ancient Greek city-state of Gortyn, shedding light on the rules and regulations that governed the lives of its citizens. The text of the Gortyn Code covers various aspects of civil law, including property rights, family law, and obligations. Despite its fragmentary state, scholars have been able to piece together much of the original text, revealing a complex legal system that was influenced by both Roman and local Cretean traditions. The discovery of the Gortyn Code is an important milestone in the study of ancient Greek law and history. It offers a unique perspective into the legal and social structures of a Greek city-state, providing valuable context for understanding the cultural and historical development of the region. The image shows the fragmentary inscription on the circular walls of the public civic building in Gortyn, Crete, where the code was discovered. The walls are now preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Crete, and serve as a reminder of the rich history and cultural heritage of this ancient Greek city-state.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
