“A strong tradition says that a maritime code was promulgated by the Island of Rhodes, in the Eastern Mediterranean, at the height of its power; the ridiculously early date of 900 B.C. has even been assigned to this suppositious code — a date accepted uncritically by some legal scholars. But even the existence of such a code has been pretty well cast in doubt, and we know next to nothing of its contents, if it existed. It is interesting to note, however, that the root-principle of the highly distinctive maritime-law system of general average … is clearly stated in Justinian’s Digest, and that the Rhodian Law is invoked as authority.” Grant Gilmore & Charles L. Black Jr., The Law of Admiralty § 1-2, at 3–4 (2d ed. 1975).
rhodian law
Rhodian law (roh-dee-[schwa]n). As legend would have it, the earliest known system or code of maritime law, supposedly dating from 900 B.C. and adopted intact by the Romans. • Rhodian law was purportedly developed by the people of the island Rhodes, located in the Aegean Sea and now belonging to Greece. The ancient inhabitants of Rhodes are said to have controlled the seas because of their commercial prosperity and naval superiority. Despite the uncertainties about its history, Rhodian law has often been cited as a source of admiralty and maritime law.
