Hammurabi

Definition

Hammurabi was the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty, reigning from around 1792 BC to 1750 BC, and is best known for creating one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, known as the Code of Hammurabi. This code established laws that governed various aspects of daily life in ancient Mesopotamia and provided insights into the social structure, economy, and values of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world and contains 282 laws covering various aspects of daily life.
2. Hammurabi's laws were based on the principle of 'an eye for an eye,' establishing a system of retributive justice aimed at maintaining social order.
3. The laws addressed issues such as property rights, trade regulations, family law, and professional conduct, illustrating the complexity of Babylonian society.
4. Hammurabi's reign is considered a time of prosperity and growth for Babylon, leading to its prominence in ancient Mesopotamia.
5. The stele containing the Code of Hammurabi was discovered in 1901 in what is now Iran and is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Review Questions

• How did Hammurabi's Code influence the legal systems in later civilizations?
  • Hammurabi's Code served as a foundational legal framework that influenced many later civilizations by introducing principles such as written law and defined punishments. Its clear articulation of rights and responsibilities laid the groundwork for future legal codes, demonstrating how laws could promote social order. The concept of codifying laws into written form became a vital aspect of governance in subsequent societies.
• In what ways did the Code of Hammurabi reflect the social hierarchy and economic conditions of ancient Mesopotamia?
  • The Code of Hammurabi distinctly reflected the social hierarchy of ancient Mesopotamia by delineating different punishments based on social status; for example, penalties for harming a noble were harsher than for harming a commoner. This approach showcased the value placed on different societal roles. Additionally, many laws focused on trade practices and property rights, indicating an advanced economy where commerce played a crucial role in daily life.
• Evaluate the significance of Hammurabi's contributions to law and governance within the context of ancient Mesopotamia and beyond.
  • Hammurabi's contributions to law and governance were significant not only for ancient Mesopotamia but also set a precedent that resonated through history. His establishment of a written legal code allowed for consistency in justice and transparency within society. This model influenced future civilizations by embedding the concept that laws should be documented, accessible, and standardized across populations. The impact of his legal principles can be traced through subsequent cultures, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of governance.

Related terms

Code of Hammurabi:

A comprehensive set of laws inscribed on a stele, which covered various aspects of life, including trade, family, and criminal justice, and established principles of justice and retribution.

Babylon:

An ancient city located in Mesopotamia that became the center of Hammurabi's empire and was known for its impressive architecture and cultural achievements.

Cuneiform: The system of writing used in ancient Mesopotamia, characterized by wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets, which was utilized for recording laws, trade transactions, and literature.