π What is Hammurabi's Code?
Hammurabi's Code was one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes. Proclaimed by Hammurabi, king of Babylon, around 1754 BC, it was inscribed on a massive, finger-shaped black diorite stele (pillar) that was publicly displayed. It consisted of 282 laws with scaled punishments, adjusting βan eye for an eye, a tooth for a toothβ (lex talionis) as graded depending on social status of slave versus free man.
π History and Background
Babylon, under Hammurabi, became a prominent Mesopotamian power. To govern this diverse population, Hammurabi developed his code. It wasn't the first set of laws, but it's one of the most well-preserved and influential.
- π The code was discovered in 1901 in Susa, Iran.
- ποΈ It's written in Akkadian, the language of Babylon, ensuring it could be read and understood by officials and scribes.
- πΏ The original stele is currently housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
βοΈ Key Principles of Hammurabi's Code
The code is based on the principle of retaliation β often summarized as "an eye for an eye." However, punishments varied based on social status. It also addressed a wide range of issues, from theft and assault to trade and property rights.
- ποΈβπ¨οΈ Lex Talionis: The principle of reciprocal punishment; often referred to as βan eye for an eyeβ.
- π‘οΈ Social Hierarchy: Penalties differed depending on the social class of both the victim and the perpetrator.
- π Written Law: Established a clear and public set of rules, reducing arbitrary judgments.
- βοΈ Comprehensive Coverage: Addressed various aspects of life, including family law, commercial transactions, and criminal law.
π’ Real-World Examples from the Code
The code offers insight into Babylonian society. Here are some examples:
| Law |
Description |
| Law #6 |
If anyone steal the property of a temple or of the court, that man shall be put to death, and also the one who receives the stolen thing from him shall be put to death. |
| Law #196 |
If a man put out the eye of another man, his eye shall be put out. |
| Law #229 |
If a builder build a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built fall in and kill its owner, then that builder shall be put to death. |
π‘ Interesting Facts About the Code
- βοΈ The code wasn't just about punishment. Some laws aimed to protect the vulnerable, like women and children.
- βοΈ It reflects the patriarchal nature of Babylonian society, with different rules for men and women.
- ποΈ Even though it's old, some of the principles influenced later legal systems.
π Conclusion
Hammurabi's Code is a fascinating glimpse into the past. It shows us how societies developed rules to maintain order and resolve disputes. While its punishments seem harsh by today's standards, it was a significant step in the history of law.