This Day That Year

February 15

in History

Codex Theodosianus Published — Roman law gets its definitive codification
Constantinople, Eastern Roman EmpireClassical
438

Codex Theodosianus Published

Roman law gets its definitive codification

The Codex Theodosianus was published, compiling the laws of the Roman Empire into a single, authoritative collection. This monumental legal achievement organized centuries of imperial edicts and senatorial decrees, creating a foundation for governance that would influence both Byzantine and Western European law for a millennium. The codex preserved the legal wisdom of Rome and ensured that even as the empire fell, its laws endured.

438 AD
Siege of Kimberley Ends — British cavalry breaks through Boer lines
Kimberley, South AfricaEarly 20th Century
1900

Siege of Kimberley Ends

British cavalry breaks through Boer lines

After one hundred and twenty-four days of siege, British cavalry under General John French smashed through Boer lines to relieve the diamond-mining city of Kimberley. The besieged inhabitants, who had endured months of bombardment and dwindling supplies, greeted their liberators with joy and relief. The relief of Kimberley was one of the first major British successes of the Second Boer War, boosting morale across the empire.

1900 AD
World War II — World War II: Fall of Singapore.
Early 20th Century
1942

World War II

World War II: Fall of Singapore.

World War II: Fall of Singapore. Following an assault by Japanese forces, the British General Arthur Percival surrenders. About 80,000 Indian, United Kingdom and Australian soldiers become prisoners of war, the largest surrender of British-led military personnel in history.

1942 AD