History of the Laws of War
From ancient codes of conduct to the modern Geneva Conventions, tracing the evolution of restraint in warfare.
Ancient and Medieval Restraints
Rules limiting warfare are as old as war itself. Ancient civilizations developed codes of conduct: the Code of Manu in India prohibited the killing of enemies who had surrendered, the Quran established rules about the treatment of prisoners and non-combatants, and medieval European chivalric codes required the sparing of women, children, and clergy. These early norms were grounded in religion, honor, and practical reciprocity rather than formal law.
The Lieber Code, issued by President Lincoln during the American Civil War in 1863, is often cited as the first modern codification of the laws of war. It regulated the conduct of Union forces and addressed the treatment of prisoners, civilians, and property. Though it applied to only one side of one conflict, it influenced subsequent international efforts.