Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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.
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 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.