key term - Hammurabi

Definition

Hammurabi was the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty, reigning from around 1792 BC to 1750 BC, and is best known for creating one of the earliest and most comprehensive written legal codes in history, known as the Code of Hammurabi. This set of laws, inscribed on a stone stele, established standards for justice and order in ancient Mesopotamia and has had a lasting influence on legal systems throughout history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hammurabi is credited with unifying various city-states under his rule, strengthening the Babylonian Empire through military conquests and diplomatic alliances.
2. The Code of Hammurabi is significant for its 'eye for an eye' principle, which emphasized retributive justice and aimed to ensure fairness in legal matters.
3. The laws addressed diverse aspects of society, including family relations, property rights, trade regulations, and professional conduct, highlighting the complexity of Babylonian life.
4. The stele bearing the Code of Hammurabi was discovered in 1901 and is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, serving as a key artifact for understanding ancient legal systems.
5. Hammurabi's influence extended beyond his reign, as the principles established in his code inspired future legal traditions in various civilizations around the world.

Review Questions

• How did Hammurabi's reign contribute to the unification of Mesopotamia?
  • Hammurabi's reign marked a significant period in which he successfully united various city-states under the Babylonian Empire. Through military campaigns and strategic diplomacy, he expanded his territory and brought stability to the region. His implementation of a standardized legal code further solidified this unity by establishing common laws that applied to all subjects, fostering a sense of shared identity among the diverse populations within his empire.
• Discuss the impact of the Code of Hammurabi on modern legal systems.
  • The Code of Hammurabi has had a profound impact on modern legal systems by introducing concepts such as presumption of innocence and the importance of written laws. Its detailed approach to various aspects of life set a precedent for future legal codes and influenced how societies view justice and governance. By emphasizing accountability and fairness in legal matters, Hammurabi's code laid foundational principles that continue to resonate in contemporary law.
• Evaluate how Hammurabi's principles reflect the social hierarchy of ancient Babylonian society.
  • Hammurabi's principles reflect a distinct social hierarchy evident in the Code of Hammurabi itself, where laws differed based on social status. The penalties imposed varied according to whether an individual was a free citizen or a slave, indicating that justice was not uniformly applied. This structured approach reveals how societal norms prioritized class distinctions, showcasing both the governance strategies employed by Hammurabi and the values held within Babylonian culture.

Related terms

Code of Hammurabi: A well-preserved ancient legal text consisting of 282 laws that outline various aspects of daily life, trade, and justice in Babylonian society.

Mesopotamia:

An ancient 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.

Babylon:

An important city-state in ancient Mesopotamia that became the capital of Hammurabi's empire, known for its impressive architecture and advancements in culture and trade.