Locrian Code

The Locrian Code was, most probably, the first written European law code, devised in the 7th century BC by Zaleucus, the Greek lawgiver of Epizephyrian Locris in Magna Graecia. The code itself is lost except for later mentions and imitations that appear anachronistic, but these describe sumptuary restrictions tied to social respectability, a ban on drinking undiluted wine except for medical purposes, and harsh penalties including the forfeiture of sight for adultery; although the code distinctly favored the aristocracy, Zaleucus was said to be famous for his conciliation of societal factions. According to tradition, anyone who proposed a new law or the alteration of an existing one had to appear before the Citizens' Council with a rope around his neck and would be strangled if the council voted against the proposal, a rule credited with there being only one new law made in more than two hundred years.