This paper explains the origin and characteristics of the civil procedure cognitio extra ordinem. In order to understand its development, it is necessary to describe the two procedures that preceded it, the legis actiones procedure and the formulary procedure. Cognitio extra ordinem initially appeared only as an extraordinary procedure, for certain types of disputes,while the formulary procedure was still valid as standard. With the strengthening of the imperial dictatorship, cognitio extra ordinem was gradually spreading and the formulary procedure had gone completely out of application. Numerous novelties appeared with extraordinary cognition.The proceedings were now entirely conducted by a judge who is no longer a layman, but a professional. There is no two-part procedure that characterizes the legis actiones and formulary procedure. Summoning to court is done through official bodies. The institute of appeal (appellatio) is introduced, and the judgment no longer has to be based only on money. In the extraordinary cognition, the foundations of today's modern civil procedure are found, of course, with the necessary changes to adapt to the needs of modern times.