The Laws of the Twelve Tables, regarded as one of the earliest written codes meant to protect the rights of ordinary citizens, belonged to which ancient civilisation?

Introduction / Context:
Written law codes are important milestones in the development of any civilisation because they make rules public and limit the power of rulers and magistrates. The Laws of the Twelve Tables are among the earliest known written legal codes in Europe and have a special place in legal history. Knowing which civilisation produced these laws helps candidates connect early legal reforms with specific cultures and understand how ideas of citizen rights first took shape in the ancient world.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to the Laws of the Twelve Tables as an early written legal code.

• It asks which civilisation is associated with this code.

• The options include Roman, Arab, Greek, and Iranian civilisations.

• We assume the question is about the classical ancient world, especially the Mediterranean region where written civic law became important.

Concept / Approach:
The Laws of the Twelve Tables were created in the early days of the Roman Republic. They resulted from struggles between the patrician class and the plebeians, who demanded that the laws be written down to prevent arbitrary judgments. Twelve bronze tablets were inscribed and displayed publicly, forming a foundation for later Roman law. This clearly places the code within Roman civilisation, not within Greek city states, Arab societies, or ancient Iranian empires.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Twelve Tables are often mentioned in connection with the Roman Republic and the rights of plebeian citizens. Step 2: Remember that Roman legal traditions later influenced many European legal systems, and the Twelve Tables are frequently highlighted as a starting point. Step 3: Note that Greek civilisation had its own legal codes and practices, but the specific phrase Laws of the Twelve Tables is not connected with Greece. Step 4: Recognise that Arab and Iranian civilisations developed other legal and religious texts, not this particular early republican code. Step 5: Conclude that the Twelve Tables belong to Roman civilisation and select that option.

Verification / Alternative check:
Legal history sources and general history textbooks consistently describe the Twelve Tables as the earliest attempt by the Romans to create a systematic public code of law. They were compiled around the fifth century BC and became a reference point for later law makers. There is no serious scholarly tradition linking this name with Arab, Greek, or Iranian law, so Roman civilisation is unambiguously the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Arab civilisation is associated with later legal and religious texts, such as those based on Islamic jurisprudence, not with the Twelve Tables of the Roman Republic.

• Greek civilisation had important laws and reforms, for example in Athens, but the specific term Twelve Tables does not apply to Greek law codes.

• Iranian civilisation, including the Achaemenid and later empires, had administrative and legal practices, yet this particular early written code is not part of their tradition.

Common Pitfalls:
Because many ancient civilisations had some form of law code, students may confuse the Twelve Tables with other famous examples, such as the Code of Hammurabi or later religious texts. A useful way to avoid this confusion is to pair the name Twelve Tables with the image of early Roman citizens demanding written laws from their leaders. Once this link with Roman civilisation is firmly established, it becomes easier to answer similar questions quickly and accurately.

Final Answer:
The Laws of the Twelve Tables belonged to the Roman civilisation.