Code of Hammurabi

Definition

The Code of Hammurabi is one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, established by the Babylonian king Hammurabi around 1754 BC. It consists of 282 laws that cover various aspects of daily life, reflecting the values and social structures of ancient Mesopotamian society, particularly its emphasis on justice, order, and retribution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Code is inscribed on a stele, which stands over seven feet tall, displaying Hammurabi receiving the laws from the sun god Shamash.
2. Laws in the Code cover a wide range of topics including trade, family relations, property rights, and personal injury, showing the complexity of Babylonian society.
3. One notable principle from the Code is 'an eye for an eye,' emphasizing proportional justice and retribution in legal matters.
4. The Code also reflects a class structure, with different penalties for nobles versus commoners, highlighting social inequalities in Babylonian law.
5. The existence of the Code influenced later legal systems and is often referenced as one of the first examples of written law in human history.

Review Questions

• How does the Code of Hammurabi reflect the social structure and values of ancient Mesopotamian society?
  • The Code of Hammurabi provides insight into the hierarchical structure of ancient Mesopotamian society, as it establishes different laws and punishments based on social class. Nobles faced different penalties compared to commoners for similar offenses, showcasing the existing inequalities. Additionally, the emphasis on justice through laws such as 'an eye for an eye' indicates a cultural value placed on retribution and order within society.
• Discuss the significance of the written nature of the Code of Hammurabi in relation to governance and legal practices in ancient Mesopotamia.
  • The written nature of the Code of Hammurabi marked a critical development in governance and legal practices by establishing clear rules that could be referenced and enforced. This accessibility to laws meant that citizens were more aware of their rights and responsibilities. It also allowed for greater consistency in legal proceedings, reducing arbitrary rulings by judges and enhancing the authority of the central government under Hammurabi.
• Evaluate how the principles outlined in the Code of Hammurabi might have influenced subsequent legal systems throughout history.
  • The principles in the Code of Hammurabi laid foundational concepts for many legal systems that followed. Its emphasis on written laws and proportional justice has been echoed in various cultures across time, influencing Roman law and even modern judicial systems. The ideas about social hierarchy in law can be seen in many historical contexts where legislation reflected societal norms. Understanding these influences helps illustrate how ancient practices have shaped contemporary legal frameworks around fairness and order.

Related terms

Mesopotamia: An ancient region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known as the cradle of civilization where writing, urbanization, and complex societies first developed.

Babylon: An important city in ancient Mesopotamia that became the center of culture and politics under Hammurabi's rule and later served as a major hub for trade and learning.

Legalism: A philosophical approach to governance emphasizing strict adherence to laws as a means of maintaining order and control within a society.