---
title: "Code of Hammurabi — AP Art History Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "The Code of Hammurabi is a basalt stele (c. 1792-1750 BCE) showing King Hammurabi receiving authority from the god Shamash, a required work in AP Art History Unit 2."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-art-history/key-terms/the-code-of-hammurabi"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Art History"
---

# Code of Hammurabi — AP Art History Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The Code of Hammurabi is a set of laws created by the Babylonian king Hammurabi around 1754 BCE. It consists of 282 laws that cover various aspects of life, including family, property, and commerce.

## Related Study Guides

- [2.5 Unit 2 Required Works](/ap-art-history/unit-2/unit-2-required-works/study-guide/vbYJD4a2HwFxyZJA3pC3)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Basalt](/ap-art-history/key-terms/basalt): Basalt is a type of volcanic rock that was used to carve the stele (stone slab) on which The Code of Hammurabi was inscribed.
- Shamash: Shamash was the Mesopotamian sun god who was considered the divine authority behind The Code of Hammurabi. He represented justice and fairness in enforcing the laws.
- [Cuneiform](/ap-art-history/key-terms/cuneiform): Cuneiform is a system of writing used by ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, including the Babylonians. The Code of Hammurabi was written in cuneiform script on the stele made from basalt.