The historical significance of the Code of Justinian, compiled under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, lies in its comprehensive compilation of Roman law. The Code, which includes the Codex Justinianus, the Digest, and the Institutes, served to streamline and clarify legal principles and practices, influencing the development of civil law in many European countries. It preserved Roman legal heritage and integrated Christian values, becoming a foundational source for legal systems in the Western world. The Code is also regarded as a critical development in the transition from ancient to medieval legal thought.