π What is Hammurabi's Code?
Hammurabi's Code was one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes. It was created in ancient Mesopotamia around 1754 BC by King Hammurabi of Babylon. Think of it like the first set of rules everyone had to follow, written down for all to see!
- π Definition: A set of laws inscribed on a large stone pillar (a stele) written in cuneiform script.
- π Author: King Hammurabi of Babylon.
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Date: Around 1754 BC.
π History and Background
Babylon was a powerful kingdom in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Hammurabi wanted to unite his kingdom and create a just society. He believed that having written laws would help achieve this. The code was prominently displayed so that everyone, including those who could read, could know the laws.
- ποΈ Location: Ancient Babylon (Mesopotamia).
- π€ Purpose: To unify the kingdom and establish justice.
- βοΈ Written Form: Laws were written in cuneiform on a stele.
βοΈ Key Principles of the Code
The code contained around 282 laws covering many aspects of life, including trade, family, and crime. A key principle was 'an eye for an eye,' meaning that punishment should match the crime. However, the severity of punishment varied based on social status; the laws were not always applied equally to everyone.
- ποΈ Lex Talionis: The principle of "an eye for an eye."
- πͺ Family Law: Laws related to marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
- πΌ Commercial Law: Rules governing trade and business transactions.
- πͺ Criminal Law: Penalties for various crimes, from theft to murder.
π‘ Real-World Examples
Here are some simplified examples of laws from Hammurabi's Code:
| Law |
Example |
| If a man destroys the eye of another man, his own eye shall be destroyed. |
If someone pokes out another person's eye, their eye will be poked out as punishment. |
| If a builder builds a house for someone and does not construct it properly, and the house collapses and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death. |
If a builder builds a house badly and it falls and kills the owner, the builder will be killed. |
| If a son strikes his father, his hands shall be cut off. |
If a son hits his father, his hands will be cut off. |
β Conclusion
Hammurabi's Code was a monumental achievement in legal history. It shows the importance of written laws in creating order and justice in society, even if the concept of justice was different from todayβs standards. It served as a foundation for later legal systems and continues to be studied for insights into ancient civilizations.