This lecture explores the historical development of IHL, tracing its evolution from ancient civilizations to modern times. It highlights how the fundamental principles of IHL, including the protection of civilians and the regulation of means and methods of warfare, have been shaped by various cultural, religious, and legal traditions across the world. From the earliest codes of conduct to the comprehensive Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, the video outlines the milestones in the formulation of IHL. It showcases how humanity’s collective conscience has, over millennia, influenced the establishment of laws aimed at limiting the horrors of war and protecting those most vulnerable during conflicts.