"The ancient Roman code belongs to a class of which almost every civilised nation in the world can show a sample, and which, so far as the Roman and Hellenic worlds were concerned, were largely diffused over them at epochs not widely distant from one another"

Henry James Sumner Maine, a 19th-century legal historian and theorist, is renowned for his insights into the development of legal systems and social development. In the provided quote, Maine is most likely discussing the prevalent impact of ancient Roman law, which functioned as a foundational legal system not only for Rome and Greece however likewise for lots of subsequent civilizations.

The expression "ancient Roman code" refers primarily to the Roman legal system, especially the codified laws such as the Twelve Tables and later legal documents like the Corpus Juris Civilis under Emperor Justinian. This code is a paradigm of legal sophistication and structure that has substantially influenced modern legal systems.

Maine shows that this Roman code comes from a "class" of legal structures, recommending that such codified legal structures were not special to Rome. Certainly, throughout history, numerous civilizations have actually developed extensive legal codes. For instance, the Code of Hammurabi in Mesopotamia and the Napoleonic Code in France work as turning point legal files that helped structure societal governance and order.

When Maine says that "nearly every civilised nation worldwide can show a sample", he is underscoring the prevalent adoption and adaptation of comparable legal frameworks. Civilized societies tend to establish intricate legal systems as they develop order, maintain justice, and govern successfully. These systems typically take inspiration from previous effective codes, offered their tested utility.

Regarding the "Roman and Hellenic worlds", Maine highlights the geographical and historic spread of these legal customs. The diffusion of Roman law throughout Europe and parts of Asia and Africa throughout the Roman Empire was amazing. After the fall of Rome, the Byzantine Empire further disseminated these codes, affecting even later European legal systems during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

In essence, Maine's quote encapsulates the historical trajectory and enduring effect of Roman law. It is a testimony to how a well-structured legal system can transcend its origins and end up being a universal touchstone for civil societies throughout history.