The Code of Hammurabi

             Hammurabi was the sixth king of Babylonia who reigned from 1792-1750 B.C. He is known for composing a collection of 282 laws known as The Code of Hammurabi. Although The Code of Hammurabi was not the first Mesopotamian law code, it is the most complete. Archaeologists found the code in 1901 in the Persian Mountains. It was inscribed on a large stone, which also had a carving of Hammurabi accepting the laws from the god of justice, Shamash. This code allows us to take a peak into the lifestyle of ancient Mesopotamians.
             Hammurabi's Code revolved around social class structure; penalties for crimes were more severe if committed against a noble than if committed against a lower classman.
             The laws covered every aspect of Mesopotamian life both personal and public: family, business, work, marriage, and crimes. People were expected to perform their jobs satisfactorily, or they would be severely punished. The "eye for an eye" rule was often used. For instance, if a physician accidentally killed a patrician during surgery, the physician's hand would be cut off. Also, if a builder built a house, which collapsed and killed the owner, the builder would be killed. If the house collapsed and killed the owner's son, the builder's son would be killed. These laws were established to protect consumers against careless workmanship.
             If a person accused of a crime threw them self into the Euphrates river and did not drown then that person would be considered innocent. If that person drowns, then they were guilty. Religion was important to Mesopotamians, and they thought the gods would save the person if they hadn't committed the crime. Swimming had not been discovered yet. However, bearing false witness to a crime was harshly punished. One must prove that the convicted person committed the crime or they would be killed. This was done to prevent people from lying and accusing others of crimes they did not commit.
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The Code of Hammurabi. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 04:11, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/86439.html