The Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest and most comprehensive legal codes in human history. Instituted by King Hammurabi of Babylon (reigned c. 1792–1750 BCE), this ancient set of laws established order and justice in Mesopotamian society and serves as a foundation for modern legal systems.
Historical Context
Hammurabi’s Reign:
Hammurabi was the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty. Under his rule, Babylon expanded into a powerful empire encompassing much of Mesopotamia.Purpose of the Code:
The laws aimed to regulate society, resolve disputes, and promote fairness, as indicated by Hammurabi’s statement:
"To bring about the rule of righteousness in the land, to destroy the wicked and the evildoers; so that the strong should not harm the weak."
Structure of the Code
Form of the Laws:
The Code consists of 282 laws inscribed on a black basalt stele, written in Akkadian cuneiform script.Categories of Laws:
The laws address a wide range of topics, including:- Family Law: Marriage, inheritance, and adoption.
- Economic Law: Trade, property ownership, and contracts.
- Criminal Law: Theft, assault, and murder.
- Civil Law: Debts, slavery, and labor disputes.
Principle of Retaliation:
Many laws follow the "lex talionis" principle—“an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” However, punishments varied depending on social status, highlighting the hierarchy in Babylonian society.
Notable Laws
- Law 196:
"If a man put out the eye of another man, his eye shall be put out." - Law 200:
"If a man knock out the teeth of his equal, his teeth shall be knocked out." - Law 148:
"If a man takes a wife and she falls ill, he may marry another, but he must care for the sick wife as long as she lives."
Significance of the Code
Foundation for Legal Systems:
The Code of Hammurabi established the concept that laws should be codified and publicly displayed, influencing later legal traditions, including Roman law and modern jurisprudence.Justice and Order:
It reinforced the idea that rulers are responsible for maintaining justice and protecting their people.Cultural Legacy:
The stele was rediscovered in 1901 at Susa (modern-day Iran) and is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it continues to be a symbol of legal history.
Modern Lessons from Hammurabi
While the punishments in Hammurabi's Code may seem harsh by today’s standards, the legal framework it provided was groundbreaking for its time. It reflects humanity’s early attempts to balance individual rights, social order, and fairness.