Early History and Roots of International Law

S. No.

Timeline

Treaty Between/Reign

Treaty Regarding/Remarks

1.

2600 BC

Rulers of Ancient Sumerian Cities of Lagash and Umma (Modern Iraq) Border treaty defining boundary marks, found on a stone block.

2.

1200 BC

Egyptian–Hittite Peace Treaty between 

Pharaoh Ramesses II of Egypt and King Ḫattušili III of the Hittites 

Establishment of Peace, Respect for Territorial Integrity, No State Aggression, Defensive Alliance

3.

800 BC

Prophet Isaiah of Ancient IsraelHe said that Agreements must be respected, even when made with the enemy. 

4.

Around same time

Hellenistic/Greek CivilizationNumerous treaties linked the city-states together in a network of commercial and political associations

5.

Around 30 BC to 476 AD

Roman Empire

Jus civile – Early Law that applied only to Roman citizens. 

 

Jus gentium – Simplified rules to govern the relations between foreigners and citizens. (Instrument – Preator Peregrinus) 

 

Later on, jus gentium became the norm and jus civile took the backseat. 

 

Natural Law was incorporated in the Roman Law to serve as the ultimate justification for jus gentium (rational principles common to all civilized nations).

 

Legal Compilation – Corpus Juris Civilis – It contained the classical rules of Roman Law. 

6.

1000 AD

Early Islamic World 

Dar al-Islam – It is term used by Islamic Scholars that literally means house of Islam. It connotes all the countries that were under Muslim Sovereignty. Abu Hanifa is generally considered as the founder of this concept. In order to be a part of Dar al-Islam, certain requirements were laid down. 

 

Aman – The law dealing with hospitality and safety of diplomats and foreigners.