The Code of Hammurabi is a foundational text of ancient Mesopotamian law, inscribed on a basalt stele around 1754 BCE, which offers a comprehensive overview of social, economic, and legal norms of Babylon. Utilizing a concise and direct literary style, Hammurabi’s edicts are organized into a series of clear, prescriptive laws, often categorized by subjects such as property rights, family relations, and trade regulations. This work not only reflects the values and priorities of its time but also serves as a crucial historical document, illuminating the complexities of ancient civilization and the evolution of legal thought in the Near East. Hammurabi, the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty, governed with a vision of unifying his diverse empire under a codified legal framework. Influenced by earlier Sumerian laws and his own experiences as a ruler, Hammurabi’s dedication to justice and order is evident in the principles embedded in his code. His holistic approach to governance highlights the balance he sought to establish between authority and fairness, which shaped the future of legal systems across civilizations. Readers interested in the intersection of law, ethics, and history will find The Code of Hammurabi to be an essential text that invites exploration into the roots of modern legal systems. This work is invaluable for scholars, students, and anyone curious about the origins of societal structures and the significance of codified law in shaping human society.
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Hammurabi, the sixth king of the First Dynasty of Babylon, reigned from approximately 1792 to 1750 BCE and is best known for the set of laws known as the Code of Hammurabi. He is one of the most prominent figures from ancient Mesopotamian civilization and his contributions extend beyond his role as a lawgiver to include urban and military achievements. He greatly expanded the Babylonian Empire and enhanced Babylon’s role as a central power in the Mesopotamian region. The Code of Hammurabi is one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, proclaimed by the king himself, and inscribed on a diorite stele set up in Babylon’s temple of Marduk, the national god of Babylon. This codex contains 282 laws, covering a range of subjects including theft, agriculture, family law, and civil and commercial law. It is known for the principle of lex talionis (‘an eye for an eye’), though this type of justice is applied with gradations based on social status. The laws were compiled and distributed across the Babylonian Empire so that all citizens, regardless of locality, had access to the laws by which they would be judged. The code is also notable for its presumption of innocence and the evidence-based procedure it sets out for legal disputes. Hammurabi’s Code was one of the earliest antecedents to today’s legal systems and is considered a significant reflection of the societal norms and values of ancient Babylonia. It endures as a powerful symbol and reminder of the long history of law in human civilization.
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