Code of Hammurabi

Definition

The Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest known written legal codes, established by the Babylonian king Hammurabi around 1754 BC. This code is significant for its role in shaping early legal systems, as it set forth a comprehensive set of laws that addressed various aspects of daily life and justice in ancient Mesopotamia. It is notable for its principle of 'an eye for an eye,' emphasizing retributive justice and social order.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Code consists of 282 laws covering areas such as family relations, labor, personal property, and trade, reflecting the values and norms of Babylonian society.
2. It was inscribed on a large stone stele and publicly displayed, indicating the importance of transparency in the law to ensure citizens understood their rights and responsibilities.
3. The principle of retribution in the code, often summarized by 'an eye for an eye,' aimed to provide a clear framework for punishment that matched the severity of the crime.
4. The Code of Hammurabi also included provisions for the protection of the weak, such as orphans and widows, which illustrates a concern for social justice in ancient Babylon.
5. This legal code influenced many subsequent legal systems in the region and beyond, serving as a model for later codes and contributing to the development of written law.

Review Questions

• How did the Code of Hammurabi reflect the social structure and values of ancient Mesopotamia?
  • The Code of Hammurabi reflected ancient Mesopotamia's social structure by establishing different laws and penalties based on social class. For example, there were harsher penalties for offenses committed against higher-status individuals compared to lower-status ones. This hierarchy emphasized the value placed on social order and maintaining distinctions between classes in Babylonian society.
• What were some specific examples from the Code of Hammurabi that illustrate its emphasis on retributive justice?
  • Specific examples from the Code include laws that mandated equivalent punishments for certain crimes, like theft or assault. For instance, if someone caused injury to another person, the punishment was often an equal physical retaliation. This 'eye for an eye' approach aimed to create a sense of balance and deter future offenses by making consequences predictable.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Code of Hammurabi on later legal systems throughout history.
  • The long-term impact of the Code of Hammurabi can be seen in how it laid the groundwork for future legal frameworks by emphasizing written law and standardized penalties. Its principles influenced later codes in various cultures, including Roman law and even modern legal systems that incorporate ideas about justice and rights. The emphasis on public display and accessibility helped establish norms around transparency in lawmaking that continue to resonate in contemporary judicial practices.

Related terms

Mesopotamia: A historical region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known as the cradle of civilization where early societies developed complex urban centers.

Hammurabi: The sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty who ruled from 1792 BC to 1750 BC and is best known for creating the Code of Hammurabi.

Law Code: A systematic collection of laws intended to govern a society, which can include civil, criminal, and procedural rules.