Code of Hammurabi

Definition

The Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world, dating back to around 1754 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia. It consists of a set of laws that governed the Babylonian society under King Hammurabi, reflecting social hierarchies, justice, and the principles of retaliation and retribution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Code of Hammurabi is inscribed on a stone stele and was discovered in the early 20th century, offering insights into ancient Babylonian law and society.
2. It consists of 282 laws covering various aspects of daily life, including trade, property rights, family relationships, and personal conduct.
3. The code reflects the social stratification of Babylonian society, with different laws and punishments for nobles, commoners, and slaves.
4. Hammurabi claimed that his laws were given to him by the god Marduk, which legitimized his rule and reinforced the idea that laws were divinely sanctioned.
5. The influence of the Code extended beyond Babylon and served as a model for legal systems in neighboring civilizations throughout history.

Review Questions

• How does the Code of Hammurabi reflect the social structure of Babylonian society?
  • The Code of Hammurabi showcases a clear social hierarchy within Babylonian society by outlining distinct laws and corresponding punishments based on social status. For example, punishments for crimes committed against a noble were often harsher than those for crimes against commoners or slaves. This differentiation highlights how societal roles and classes influenced legal repercussions, revealing much about social values and norms during Hammurabi's reign.
• Analyze the role of cuneiform writing in preserving the Code of Hammurabi and its significance to future generations.
  • Cuneiform writing was crucial for documenting the Code of Hammurabi on clay tablets, which ensured its preservation and transmission through generations. By using cuneiform, Hammurabi could formally establish his laws, making them accessible to literate members of society and serving as a record that could be referenced. This not only enforced legal standards but also allowed later civilizations to study and adopt elements from these early legal codes, illustrating the lasting impact of written law in human history.
• Evaluate the lasting impacts of the Code of Hammurabi on modern legal systems and concepts of justice.
  • The Code of Hammurabi has significantly influenced modern legal frameworks and concepts of justice by introducing principles such as proportionality in punishment and the idea that laws should be publicly displayed. The principle of Lex Talionis, or 'an eye for an eye,' is echoed in various legal systems today, reflecting ongoing discussions about justice and retribution. Furthermore, its comprehensive nature set a precedent for codifying laws, inspiring subsequent civilizations to create their own legal codes that addressed societal needs while maintaining order.

Related terms

Cuneiform: An ancient writing system used in Mesopotamia, characterized by wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets, which was the medium for recording laws like the Code of Hammurabi.

Lex Talionis: A principle of justice found in the Code of Hammurabi that emphasizes 'an eye for an eye,' signifying proportional retribution for offenses.

Amorites: A Semitic-speaking people who formed a significant dynasty in ancient Mesopotamia and established Babylon as a major city during Hammurabi's reign.