Code of Hammurabi

Definition

The Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest known legal codes, established by the Babylonian king Hammurabi around 1754 BCE. This set of laws was inscribed on a stone stele and served as a fundamental framework for justice in ancient Mesopotamia, embodying principles of retributive justice and social order.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Code consists of 282 laws covering various aspects of daily life, including trade, family relations, labor, and property rights.
2. It is famously known for its principle of 'an eye for an eye,' reflecting a strict form of justice that aimed to ensure retribution was equal to the offense.
3. The stele featuring the Code depicts Hammurabi receiving the laws from Shamash, the sun god, emphasizing divine authority behind the legal system.
4. The Code influenced subsequent legal systems and remains a significant reference in discussions about the origins of law and justice.
5. Many of the laws addressed social classes, distinguishing between free citizens, slaves, and women, which highlights the hierarchical nature of Babylonian society.

Review Questions

• How does the Code of Hammurabi reflect the social structure of ancient Mesopotamia?
  • The Code of Hammurabi reveals the rigid social hierarchy present in ancient Mesopotamia by including different laws for various social classes. For instance, punishments were often harsher for lower-class individuals compared to those of higher status. This distinction illustrates how the legal system was not just about maintaining order but also about reinforcing existing social inequalities within Babylonian society.
• Analyze the significance of Hammurabi's portrayal with Shamash in the stele inscribed with his code.
  • Hammurabi's depiction with Shamash on the stele emphasizes that his authority to create and enforce laws was divinely sanctioned. By presenting himself as receiving the laws from a god, Hammurabi sought to legitimize his rule and establish a moral foundation for his governance. This portrayal not only elevated Hammurabi’s status but also reinforced the idea that laws were not merely human constructs but rather part of a cosmic order.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of the Code of Hammurabi on modern legal systems and concepts of justice.
  • The Code of Hammurabi has had a profound influence on modern legal systems by introducing fundamental concepts such as retributive justice and codified laws. Many contemporary legal principles echo those found in Hammurabi’s code, particularly regarding fairness and accountability. The discussions around justice, equality before the law, and the protection of property rights can trace their roots back to this early legal framework, highlighting its enduring legacy in shaping societal norms around law and order.

Related terms

Mesopotamia: An ancient region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, often called the cradle of civilization, where early urban societies developed.

Cuneiform:

A system of writing developed by the Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia, using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets.

Babylon: An ancient city-state in Mesopotamia that became a major cultural and political center under King Hammurabi and later the Neo-Babylonian Empire.