Code of Ur-Nammu

Definition

The Code of Ur-Nammu is one of the earliest known legal codes, created around 2100-2050 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia during the reign of Ur-Nammu, the founder of the Third Dynasty of Ur. This code outlines a set of laws and regulations that govern various aspects of life, including property rights, family matters, and social justice, establishing a foundation for legal frameworks in Sumerian city-states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Code of Ur-Nammu is primarily written in Sumerian and consists of around 57 known laws.
2. It emphasizes principles of justice and fairness, with penalties often based on social status, reflecting a structured approach to law and order in Sumerian society.
3. Unlike later codes, it does not promote harsh penalties such as 'an eye for an eye,' favoring fines or monetary compensation instead.
4. The Code served as a model for subsequent legal systems in the region and influenced later codes like Hammurabi's.
5. It highlights the importance of social order and the role of the king in maintaining justice and governance within Sumerian city-states.

Review Questions

• How does the Code of Ur-Nammu reflect the social structure and values of Sumerian city-states?
  • The Code of Ur-Nammu showcases the hierarchical nature of Sumerian society through its laws that differentiate between social classes. For example, it prescribes varying penalties based on a person's social status, indicating that higher-ranking individuals faced lesser consequences for similar offenses compared to lower-ranking ones. This reflects the values placed on social order and respect for authority within Sumerian city-states.
• What are the key differences between the Code of Ur-Nammu and Hammurabi's Code regarding penalties and justice?
  • While both codes serve as important legal documents, they differ significantly in their approach to justice. The Code of Ur-Nammu tends to favor monetary compensation and fines over harsh physical punishments. In contrast, Hammurabi's Code is notorious for its principle of retribution, prescribing severe penalties such as 'an eye for an eye.' This distinction highlights how societal attitudes towards justice evolved over time within Mesopotamian civilizations.
• Evaluate the impact of the Code of Ur-Nammu on future legal systems in Mesopotamia and beyond.
  • The Code of Ur-Nammu laid crucial groundwork for legal frameworks in Mesopotamia by establishing concepts of justice that would be echoed in later codes like Hammurabi's. Its emphasis on fairness and social order influenced how laws were structured in subsequent societies. As these ideas spread across different cultures through trade and conquest, they contributed to the development of more complex legal systems throughout history, demonstrating the enduring legacy of this early legal code on governance and societal norms.

Related terms

Sumerian Civilization: An ancient civilization that emerged in the southern part of Mesopotamia, characterized by city-states, advanced agriculture, and early forms of writing.

Hammurabi's Code: A later and more famous legal code from ancient Babylon, created by King Hammurabi, which borrowed elements from earlier codes like that of Ur-Nammu.

City-State: A self-governing urban center and its surrounding territory, often characterized by its own government, laws, and military.