Code of Hammurabi

Definition

The Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world, created around 1754 BCE under the reign of King Hammurabi of Babylon. It consists of a collection of laws and edicts that established standards for commercial interactions and set fines and punishments to meet the requirements of justice. This code is a crucial example of early writing systems, showcasing how written law served as a means to govern and maintain order within the emerging complex societies of ancient Mesopotamia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Code consists of 282 laws covering various aspects of daily life, including trade, property rights, family law, and civil rights.
2. It is famous for its principle of retributive justice, often summarized as 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth', which aimed to ensure that punishments were proportionate to offenses.
3. The laws were inscribed on a large stone stele and publicly displayed to ensure that all citizens were aware of the laws governing them.
4. The Code reflects the social structure of Babylonian society, with different laws applying to different classes, such as free citizens and slaves.
5. The significance of the Code extends beyond its time; it influenced later legal systems and is considered one of the earliest examples of a written legal code.

Review Questions

• How did the Code of Hammurabi reflect the social hierarchies present in Babylonian society?
  • The Code of Hammurabi illustrates the social hierarchies in Babylonian society through its differentiated laws that applied to various classes. For example, punishments for offenses committed against higher-status individuals were often harsher than those for commoners or slaves. This structure not only reinforced the existing social order but also demonstrated how legal frameworks can reflect and perpetuate societal inequalities.
• In what ways did the Code of Hammurabi influence later legal systems throughout history?
  • The Code of Hammurabi set important precedents for legal thought that resonated through history. Its concepts, such as written laws being publicly displayed and the idea of proportional justice, influenced many subsequent legal codes in different cultures. Furthermore, it laid groundwork for establishing formal legal procedures, helping societies transition from oral traditions to codified law systems that contributed to the development of governance.
• Evaluate the impact of early writing systems like cuneiform on the creation and implementation of laws such as those found in the Code of Hammurabi.
  • Early writing systems like cuneiform played a pivotal role in shaping legal frameworks such as the Code of Hammurabi. The ability to record laws allowed for clarity and consistency in their application, ensuring that citizens were aware of their rights and responsibilities. This shift from oral to written communication enhanced the administration of justice and helped facilitate trade and governance by providing a tangible reference point for legal disputes and societal norms.

Related terms

Cuneiform: An early system of writing developed by the Sumerians, characterized by wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets.

Babylon: An ancient city-state in Mesopotamia that became a major cultural and political center, especially during the reign of Hammurabi.

Mesopotamia: A historical region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, often referred to as the cradle of civilization due to its early developments in writing, law, and urbanization.