Hammurabi’s Code

King Hammurabi 6th king of Babylon Mesopotamia united as Babylon under his reign. Most famous for a series of judgments inscribed on a large stone stele, which came to be known as Hammurabi’s Code.

King Hammurabi

Hammurabi’s Code Inscribed on a large stone stele (Large, upright stone slab) made of black basalt. It is the longest code yet discovered. Now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. Written in cuneiform. Contains 282 laws.

Hammurabi’s Code Prologue - Hammurabi claims his authority comes directly from the gods. He is the guardian and protector of the weak and powerless. At the top of the stele Hammurabi is depicted receiving the code from the sun god Shamash.

Hammurabi’s Code Epilogue - Hammurabi is described as a military leader who brings peace to his subjects. Explains that laws were inscribed on the stele to: testify to Hammurabi’s righteous and just rule Bring consolation to anyone seeking justice Serve as an example for future rulers.

Why Was it Made? As communities grew larger, they needed: a stronger central government to complete and take care of necessary public projects, such as the building of canals. To maintain law and order so that life in the cities ran smoothly. Their organized justice system needed a set of standardized laws.

Examples What should be done to the carpenter who builds a house that falls and kills the owner? If a builder builds a house for a man and does not make its construction sound, and the house which he has built collapses and causes the death of the owner of the house, the builder shall be put to death

Examples What should happen to a boy who slaps his father? If a son strikes his father, they shall cut off his hand. What should be done about a wife who ignores her duties and belittles her husband? If the woman has not been careful but has gadded about, neglecting her house and belittling her husband, they shall throw that woman into the water.

Babylonian Life Much can be learned about Babylonian society by looking at the code. Link to the code of laws: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/medieval/hamframe.htm In your groups, complete the activity sheets you have been given. Your group will present your findings to the class.