Code of Hammurabi

Definition

The Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world, created around 1754 BCE during the reign of Babylonian King Hammurabi. This legal code established laws and punishments based on the principle of retribution, reflecting the social order and moral values of Mesopotamian civilization. The code was inscribed on a stele and displayed publicly, signifying the importance of law and justice in maintaining societal stability.

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 introduced the concept of presumption of innocence, allowing individuals accused of a crime to present their case before a judge.
3. The punishments outlined in the Code varied according to social class, demonstrating a hierarchical society where the penalties could differ based on whether the offender was a noble or a commoner.
4. The stele bearing the Code was discovered in 1901 in Susa, Iran, and is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
5. The influence of the Code extended beyond Babylon, impacting legal systems in later civilizations and contributing to the development of law as a formalized system.

Review Questions

• How does the Code of Hammurabi reflect the values and social hierarchy of Mesopotamian civilization?
  • The Code of Hammurabi reflects Mesopotamian values by emphasizing justice and order through clearly defined laws. It illustrates the social hierarchy by prescribing different punishments based on social class, showing that nobility received lighter penalties compared to commoners for similar offenses. This distinction highlights how societal structure influenced justice and governance in ancient Mesopotamia.
• Discuss the significance of public display for the Code of Hammurabi and its role in promoting justice within Babylonian society.
  • The public display of the Code of Hammurabi on a stele served multiple purposes: it informed citizens about their rights and responsibilities while reinforcing the authority of the king as a lawgiver. By making laws accessible to everyone, it encouraged accountability among both citizens and officials. This transparency was crucial for maintaining order and trust in a society governed by strict legal codes.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Code of Hammurabi on subsequent legal systems throughout history.
  • The Code of Hammurabi had profound long-term impacts on legal systems by establishing early principles that influenced future laws. Concepts like presumption of innocence and structured legal repercussions found their way into later civilizations’ legal frameworks. By setting precedents for codified law and ensuring that laws were publicly known, it laid foundational concepts that continue to resonate in modern legal thought, showcasing its enduring legacy.

Related terms

Mesopotamia:

An ancient region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, often considered the cradle of civilization due to its early developments in writing, law, and urbanization.

Lex Talionis: A principle of law that emphasizes retribution, commonly summarized as 'an eye for an eye,' which was a foundational concept in the Code of Hammurabi.

Stele: A large stone or wooden slab, often used in ancient times to commemorate events or display important information such as laws, like the Code of Hammurabi.