Premium Essay

Hammurabi Thesis

Submitted By
Words 1166
Pages 5
From 1792 BC to 1750 BC, Hammurabi, son of Sin-Muballit, reigned as the sixth king of the Babylonian kingdom. Hammurabi’s rule has been praised due to his military victories, as well as his supervision over issues in relation to the welfare of his subjects. Having successfully been the only king in his dynasty to rule Babylonia into an achieved state of peace, and a symbol of modern innovation of his time through his code of legislation, Hammurabi’s reign over the Babylonian dynasty had a definite positive impact overall. His applications of mandatory compliance with civil and criminal laws, the successful transformation of the Babylonian kingdom to an empire, as well as his creation and consistent preservation of peace – even during his numerous …show more content…
According to the Louvre Museum (the museum currently hosting the Code of Hammurabi), the text is in both the cuneiform script and the Akkadian language, and is divided into three parts: a historical prologue, epilogue and several passages containing around three-hundred legal decisions [Musée du Louvre (n.d), Law Code of Hammurabi, king of Babylon, para. 3]. Hammurabi’s Code serves as one of the earliest universal models for ancient judicial rulings, as well as a list of all the territories under the kingdom of …show more content…
4]. Although the ramifications of committing a crime under Hammurabi’s legislation are considered harsh under today’s laws, Babylonian culture was built on the ‘law of retaliation’ philosophy (aka; ‘an eye for an eye’), conceptually common in Semitic tribes. This often meant executions in the forms of drowning, burning and impalement; for instance, a common punishment for adultery was to be thrown into the Euphrates (one of the main Mesopotamian rivers).
Additionally, the Code of Hammurabi was the first to mention modern values such as the presumption of innocence and minimum wage. It held such a large legal influence over south Mesopotamia that inspired successors when rewriting legal scripts of their own. Hammurabi’s Code was also presented as a model for writers that was copied even centuries after his death. The Code, inscribed on a stone stele and placed in public view [‘Hammurabi’, n.d] to ensure accessibility, guaranteed the maintenance of peace, justice and safety, therefore acting as a positive contribution to the Babylonian

Similar Documents

Free Essay

King Hammurabi

...King Assur-nasir-pal's draped Shawl Pattern Guideline This is another representation of the Assyrian King Assur-nasir-pal. The best way to understand how the drapery is assembled is to observe the stages below right. Over the long tunic above right,the king would have worn a shawl drapery.  The shawl would have measured 72" X 90". To drape this shawl, line E to F would have been folded over so that A to B hangs on the outside of the body. The cord was attached just at E to G. Then hold G at the right side of the waist in front, whilst throwing the rest of the shawl backwards over the right shoulder. Edge E to F was then drawn around the back of the neck and formed a sling over the left arm. To finish draping, the edge E to F was passed around the waist towards the right, under the right elbow, then on around the back until it reached about 6 inches in front of the left side waist.  The remainder of the fabric swathe was folded underneath as seen in the drawing. Finally a cord was tied around the waist to keep the draped shawl firmly in position.  The pictures right also show if cord E to G is pulled down so that E touches the waist, then both the shoulders will be covered by the fabric.  Figure K is the most usual way to arrange the shawl compared to L, but minor adjustments will create the different looks.    Model M is the back view. Version P Model P looks a little more like the costume plate of King Assur-nasir-pal above left.  The costume pattern is based on a small...

Words: 548 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Hammurabi Dbq

...Many people believe that Cyrus is the most important ruler in Mesopotamian history, but I believe that Hammurabi was the greatest ruler. His code of law, want for justice and easy-going style of being an empire, he was the greatest emperor of Mesopotamia. Hammurabi ruled from 1792 BC- 1750 BC. The Akkadians first conquered Sumer. Babylon was located near the Euphrates and Tigris rivers and the Persian Gulf. The Akkadians formed “empire mania”. The Babylonians grew grain, which they traded for gold. They believed that all rulers, including Hammurabi, were sent by the gods. The city-states were like our states today, a few of them included Ur, Uruk and Nineveh. Starting with Hammurabi's code of law. There were 282 laws in this code. He...

Words: 406 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Why Hammurabi's Code Was Fair Law

...Yes Hammurabi's Code was fair, laws like 196 "Eye for an Eye", 23 "If a robber isn't caught, man robbed gets their thingss replced by city"and law 195 "If son hits parents, his hands shall get cut off" are many reason explaining why. How do you feel about law 196? I think it is fair that if someone knocks out the eye of another, his eye shall be knocked out too. Hammurabi's Code is fair, because it fought for protection for all people, served justice, and treated people fairly by creating such laws. Law 196 was one reason why it was fair. For example, if a man walks up to another man and kicks him he should get kicked back. You should treat people the way you want to be treated, and if you treat someone bad expect the same thing...

Words: 278 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Stele Compare & Contrast

...The Stele of Naram-Sin is a massive piece of limestone that has been carved in relief style to commemorate a victory between two warring civilizations. This stone slab is taller than most people standing at 6’6”. The battle scene engraved on this stone slab is between Naram-Sin, ruler of the Akkadian people, and the Lullubi. At the top of the stele there are three suns that shine brightly onto mountain in which Naram-Sin is marching his army up in a diagonal path. In the sky just below the suns and on the mountain there are cuneiform script printed that describes the victory. The cuneiform that is on inscribed on the mountain is just on the right side; the left side of the mountain is bare. The cuneiform inscribed confirms that this stele depicts a battle that was won at Zagaros Mountain. At the base of the main peak of the mountain there is an injured Lullubi with a spear in his neck. The Lullubi people are scattered throughout the stele in a very disorganized fashion predominantly on the right side of the stele. Their weapons are depicted as inferior to that of the Akkadian people’s, some are broken and some are smaller. Naram-Sin is depicted much larger than anyone else in the stele. The use of hieratic scale here amplifies artist’s decision to place Naram-Sin in the center of the composition. Naram-Sin is holding a sword, a bow and a spear as he tramples over his fallen foes. He is shown to possess well defined muscular features in addition to a horned helmet. The army...

Words: 1507 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

How Did Hammurabi Cause Of Law And Government

...Hammurabi’s code was the main cause of law and government. This was the first real form of government. Both are a way to control citizens of a nation. The laws and government are a source of a criminal and court system. The criminal and court system created by Hammurabi’s government was a major cause of the reparations in Germany for war crimes. If there was no criminal or court system, there wouldn’t be a need for the reparations or even the war crimes themselves. Cave art was the earliest known form of written interaction. The cave drawings led to honing drawing and painting skills which led up to modernization of art. The modernization of art led up to romanticism. Romanticism led up to and was a major role in the renaissance. Drawing and painting used in the Paleolithic era led up to creation of cuneiform, which is the first actual written alphabet. Cuneiform was used as early as 3500-3000 BC by Sumerians. This helped laws be more official instead of just a spoken law that people can forget. Cuneiform used by early Sumerians was a major influence of hieroglyphics .Hieroglyphics were the official writing of ancient Egypt, influenced in a way as so it would be similar but more advanced than cuneiform. Hieroglyphics caused and influenced by cuneiform influenced modern written language. Modern written language includes the Latin alphabet, English alphabet, Greek alphabet, Russian alphabet and more. Spartans in the Roman times were a major influence on behavior and habits of...

Words: 2743 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Code of Hammurabi

...Code of Hammurabi Western Civilization and the World I 100 Professor Preface This paper will examine the Code of Hammurabi and how it affected the people of Babylon before, during and after its creation. The nature of the topic is to have a better understanding of how the Code of Hammurabi changed society, hindered women’s rights and independence and left a lasting impression for future generations. Chronology 1810 BC Hammurabi was born to the then-king of Babylon Sin-muballit. 1792 BC Hammurabi, king of Babylon, started his rule. 1787 BC King Hammurabi captured Uruk and Isin. 1784 BC King Hammurabi campaigned against Rapigum and Malgium. 1772 BC Code of Hammurabi was created. 1763 BC With the aid of Mari and Eshnunna King Hammurabi conquered Larsa, putting an end to the long reign of Rim-Sin I. 1755 BC Captured Eshnunna which was the last of his Mesopotamian rivals. 1750 BC King Hammurabi died and passed the reigns of the empire to his son, Samsu-iluna. 1738 BC Under Samsu-iluna’s rule his empire fell to the Sealand Dynasty. 1595 BC Babylonian empire restored to glory of the Hammurabi’s age. 1901 Code of Hammurabi monument is discovered by French archaeologists. 1910 The Code of Hammurabi was translated by Leonard William King. During the rule of King Hammurabi he wrote the Code of Hammurabi. This consisted of many laws that changed the society, hindered women’s rights and independence and left a lasting impression for future generations...

Words: 2447 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

An Eye for the Truth

...An Eye for the Truth The Laws of ancient civilizations may be confusing to some people nowadays, but, when put into the context of the location, time, and mindset of the people who created these laws, they become much more reasonable within that framework. In this essay, two distinct sets of laws from the ancient civilizations will be compared and contrasted; The Code of Hammurabi, by Hammurabi, the sixth Babylonian king in the 1700s B.C. and the Ten Commandments and Exodus, written, or at least attributed to Moses. The first difference that must be noted is the way that the laws are introduced, or the prologues, one obviously polytheistic, the other blatantly monotheistic. The Code of Hammurabi says in its prologue, “at that time Anum and Enlil named me to promote the welfare of the people.”1 It also mentions Igigi and Anumnaki, minor gods who attend to the major gods Enlil and Anum respectively, so very clearly a polytheistic setting there, as these gods appoint Hammurabi as the promoter of the people’s welfare. The Ten Commandments states, in contrast, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, you shall have no other gods before me.”2 This starting sentence immediately says that there is only one god, and later in the passage it also mentions as one of the laws not to create any idol.3 These two societies then might be said to have different social values in the idea that as a monotheistic person, you would be expected...

Words: 1059 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Code of Hammurabi

...Preface: Hammurabi was a Babylonian king who ruled from 1792 to 1750 B.C. His attributes were he extended his empire northward from the Persian Gulf to the Tigris and Euphrates River and west to the Mediterranean Sea. He united the area into one extensive empire, Mesopotamia, which in present day is known as Iraq. (Ancient Mesopotamia) Hammurabi created a list of rules and laws for the people of his empire to follow called “The Code of Hammurabi”. This is one of the oldest and most detailed documents in existence and gives insight as to how the members of Babylonian society lived. The code listed 282 rules for society to obey by and the consequences or guidelines for each member given their social status and their gender. There were rules of every category. From marriage and adultery, criminal acts such a stealing, property, and monetary trading. What’s interesting about this rulebook is the detail and coverage of the book. While in today’s world we may not follow rules such as “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” like the Code of Hammurabi, whose punishments for a crime were much more extravagant and gruesome at times. There was segregation in gender and social status. The topics addressed in the code are some of the same topics addressed that we, today, value and instill. In today’s government we have laws of crime and punishment, monetary laws, and laws regarding marriage. We have these laws so we can have structure and a successful government and society. It’s...

Words: 2731 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Was Hammurabi's Code Was It Just Or Unjust?

...Hammurabi’s code was it just or unjust? Hammurabi’s code was a set of 282 laws that were written by the king of Babylon Hammurabi in 1792 BCE. He said that he was told to write and enforce those laws by the god Shamash. Hammurabi was the only person who could change the laws. There are three areas of law where Hammurabi’s Code can be shown to be unjust. These are family laws property laws, and personal injury laws. Examples of injustice can first be found in the area of family law. First, law number 129 states that if a woman is caught cheating that she and the person whom she cheated with will be tied up and drowned. Second, law number 195 states that id a son hits his father that the consequence to his actions is that he will have his hands cut off. These examples show tat Hammurabi’s Code was unjust because the laws that Hammurabi created for families were too harsh. Hitting your father should not result in your hands being cut off, although it does deserve a punishment the one in place was too strict. Also cheating on you significant other does not need to be punished by death....

Words: 600 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Hammurabi DBQ Essay

...It’s around 1750 B.C, and the first civilization is evolving, and so are the Babylonian laws… With 282 Babylonian laws created by Hammurabi, once the ruler of the Babylonian Empire, many of the laws were unjust and unfair to his people, and many examples to prove this. To begin, stated in code 213, if a man strikes a slave girl and causes her to lose the fruit of her womb (her baby), he shall pay 2 shekels of silver. This law is unjust due to law 209, which states that if a man strikes a free woman and causes her to lose the fruit of her womb, he shall pay 10 shekels of silver. Although the woman is a slave, she is still a human being and has lost her child just as the free woman had. In addition, law 195 states that if a son strikes his father,...

Words: 306 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Hammurabi DBQ

...Hammurabi’s Code is the first set of laws ever to be translated. These set of 282 laws were created by Hammurabi, the sixth king of Babylon in 1758 B.C. The laws were made to make order for the citizens under his rule. The laws prove that the Babylonians had a culture, which is a way of life for a group of people. In a culture, there is a government where there would be judges to see if the citizen is guilty or innocent. A society, whether if the families were patriarchal, where men exercised authority or matriarchal, where women exercised authority, and an economy, the Babylonians had a form of currency and a way of trade. Hammurabi's Code is a useful source for an anthropologist studying Babylonian culture because it provides examples of ancient government, society, and economy. First of all in Hammurabi’s Code, there were laws that proved that there was ancient...

Words: 1151 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

King Hammurabi

...re- establishing civil order and security. King Ur-nammu would be succeeded by his son Shugli that ruled from 2096 -2048 BC. King Shulgi was very skilled in hunting and was an expert in military tactics” (Woolley 53). King Shugli would then have two sons to succeed him and take the crown unfortunately they had a very difficult maintaining the dynasty and as the legal and administration began to fall apart so did the dynasty and it would be reduced to a small city state. With the inevitable destruction of the Ur dynasty came the second phase of the Mesopatamia. Babylon would go through five kings spanning over a hundred years Hammurabi would get his shot at the throne. “During his rise to power Sin-muballit father of Hammurabi would finish off the last of the Ur dynasty and the transfer of power would begin through Hammurabi” (Oppenheim 157). “King...

Words: 2146 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Justinian Sharia Law

...Is Sharia Law really offending people who go by Justinian’s Code? Justinian’s Code is a law system to fix/rebuild Rome, it was made by Justinian I, the first Byzantine emperor. The code was made up of four books the codex, the digesta, or Pandectae, Institutiones, and Novellae Constitutiones Post Codicem. Now to Sharia Law, Sharia law or Islamic law is the religious law forming part of the Islamic tradition. It is derived from the religious precepts of Islam, particularly the Quran and the Hadith. The source of Justinian's Code or what is was really influenced by was the original Twelve Tables. Since Justinian was the new emperor of Rome, or the new Rome, he wanted to fix Rome. So he took what Law Code was there, the Twelve Tables,...

Words: 387 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Examples Of Hammurabi's Law Code Dbq

...Caoimhe Bodnar Bodnar 1 Mrs. Guler Honors World Civ Document Based Question Hammurabi’s Law Code Document Based Question Walking down the street in Babylonia, it was not an uncommon sight to see dead people hanging in the walls of houses. This was one of the many punishments for crime 1754 BCE in Babylon. The laws were written by the king, Hammurabi, who claimed that the laws were given to him by the gods to help protect the weak. “Hammurabi, the protecting king am I…That the strong might not injure the weak, in order to protect the widows and orphans” (Document B) The laws were written...

Words: 1903 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Advancement Of Hammurabi Dbq

...Hammurabi was a Babylonian king who reigned from 1792 to 1750 B.C. Hammurabi is known as the sixth and best known ruler of the first Babylonian dynasty. He ruled central Mesopotamia at first. Although he is mostly famous for his set of written laws, he has also made great advancements. In the 30th year of his reign, Hammurabi began expanded his kingdom up and down the Tigris and Euphrates river valley, taking over the kingdoms of Assyria, Larsa, Eshunna and Mari which eventually took over all Mesopotamia. He made great advancements for the better of his kingdom by combining military and politics with irrigation projects, fortifications, and construction of temples. The size location and military strength of his land to rule made it one of...

Words: 488 - Pages: 2