decemvirs

A board of ten men, known as decemvirs, was appointed to frame a legal code, binding equally on both patricians and plebeians.

Early European History Hutton Webster

Concerning the punishment only of the decemvirs was their demand immoderate; for they thought it but just that they should be delivered up to them; and they threatened that they would burn them alive.

The History of Rome, Books 01 to 08 Titus Livius

Upon the return of this embassy, a commission of ten magistrates, who were known as decemvirs, was appointed to frame a code of laws (451 B.C.).

General History for Colleges and High Schools Philip Van Ness Myers

Marcus Horatius Barbatus showed himself an equally determined opponent, called the decemvirs "ten Tarquins," and reminded them that it was under the leadership of the Valerii and the Horatii that monarchy had been expelled from Rome.

The History of Rome, Vol. I 1905

The third form of government was under the absolute control of ten magistrates called decemvirs, and are also called prætors.

The Gospel Day Or, the Light of Christianity Charles Ebert Orr 1897

As the manners of Rome were insensibly polished, the criminal code of the decemvirs was abolished by the humanity of accusers, witnesses, and judges; and impunity became the consequence of immoderate rigor.

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire 1206

If their term had been longer, they might well have tried to prolong it still further, as the decemvirs did when chosen for a year.

The Social Contract 2002

Thus it was that the decemvirs, first elected for one year and then kept on in office for a second, tried to perpetuate their power by forbidding the comitia to assemble; and by this easy method every government in the world, once clothed with the public power, sooner or later usurps the sovereign authority.

The Social Contract 2002

Nevertheless, the decemvirs themselves never claimed the right to pass any law merely on their own authority.

The Social Contract 2002

The laws framed by the decemvirs were engraved on twelve bronze tablets and set up in the Forum.

Early European History Hutton Webster