Artifacts

Definition

Artifacts are objects made or used by humans that provide insight into the culture, practices, and technologies of a particular society. These items can range from tools and pottery to jewelry and architectural remains, and they serve as critical evidence for understanding historical contexts, including civilizations like the Babylonian Empire and their legal frameworks such as Hammurabi's Code.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Artifacts from the Babylonian Empire include clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform writing that detail various aspects of daily life, laws, and commerce.
2. Hammurabi's Code is one of the most famous artifacts, consisting of a stele inscribed with over 280 laws that governed Babylonian society.
3. Artifacts help historians piece together the social structure of the Babylonian Empire, showing how laws were applied to different classes of people.
4. The study of artifacts like tools and pottery can reveal technological advancements and trade practices in the Babylonian Empire.
5. Many artifacts from this period are housed in museums today, providing tangible connections to ancient civilizations and their legal systems.

Review Questions

• How do artifacts contribute to our understanding of the societal structure within the Babylonian Empire?
  • Artifacts play a crucial role in revealing the societal structure of the Babylonian Empire by providing evidence of daily life, class distinctions, and governance. For instance, objects such as tools indicate the level of technological advancement, while legal artifacts like Hammurabi's Code highlight how laws were enforced across different social strata. By examining these items, historians can piece together a more comprehensive picture of how society functioned during this time.
• Discuss the significance of Hammurabi's Code as an artifact in relation to Babylonian law and order.
  • Hammurabi's Code is significant as it serves not only as a legal document but also as an artifact reflecting the values and priorities of Babylonian society. The code’s inscriptions on a stele demonstrate the importance placed on justice and order. By examining this artifact, we can understand how laws were codified to govern daily life and ensure societal stability. It acts as a window into the legal principles that shaped interactions among individuals in ancient Babylon.
• Evaluate how archaeological discoveries of artifacts have reshaped our understanding of ancient civilizations like Babylon.
  • Archaeological discoveries of artifacts have profoundly reshaped our understanding of ancient civilizations such as Babylon by providing concrete evidence that challenges previous assumptions about their cultures. As new artifacts are uncovered—ranging from everyday objects to monumental inscriptions—they reveal complex social structures, technological innovations, and legal systems that were far more advanced than once believed. This evolving narrative highlights the dynamic nature of historical interpretation, as each new find can alter perceptions about the achievements and lifestyle of ancient peoples.

Related terms

Archaeology: The scientific study of human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains.

Cuneiform: An ancient writing system used by the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, characterized by wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets, which often recorded laws and transactions.

Civilization: A complex human society characterized by the development of cities, social stratification, organized government, and cultural advancements.