Without laws, we cannot imagine our lives. But since when have laws existed, how have they developed, and why? Were they all the same or completely different? An extremely vivid and exciting panorama of the emergence of our legal system. In his extensive essay, Alfred Noll explores the question of how people establish their order, starting from the roots. He employs his nearly inexhaustible expertise and impressive linguistic skill to outline the foundations of our society. When it comes to our shared existence and, consequently, our very personal lives, legal history becomes extremely fascinating. It becomes clear why people have intensely struggled for their legal system for thousands of years.