Discovery of Hammurabi's Code

• Discovery:

  • Found by French archaeologists in 1901 in Iran.
  • Made of black stone, originally from ancient Mesopotamia.

• Description:

  • A great pillar (stele) with carvings.
  • Top features two figures: the Babylonian sun god and Hammurabi.

Historical Background

• Hammurabi:
  • Famous king of Babylon.
  • Transformed Babylon into an empire by conquering city-states in the Fertile Crescent.
  • Sought to unify and establish order through a universal set of laws.

The Code of Hammurabi

• Purpose:

  • To bring righteousness, destroy wickedness, and protect the weak from the strong.

• Contents:

  • More than 250 laws carved into the stone.
  • Written as one of the oldest codes of conduct.
  • Includes specific rules and often harsh punishments.

Examples of Laws

• Criminal Offenses:

  • Law 22: Robbery punished by death.
  • Many laws prescribe death, often in gruesome ways.
  • Accused thrown into Euphrates as a test of guilt; if they drowned, they were guilty.

• Reciprocal Punishments:

  • Law 196: "Eye for an eye" principle.

• Social Class Differences:

  • Punishments varied by social class.
  • Higher class often faced less severe penalties.

• Women's Rights:

  • Generally lower status than men.
  • Some protections, like inheritance and divorce rights.

• Economic Regulations:

  • Covers liability, malpractice, trade, and minimum wages.
  • Specific wages for various occupations.

Modern Legal Influence

• Legacy:

  • Elements like presumption of innocence and right to a fair trial still present in modern law.
  • Intended to be permanent legal precedents.

• Preservation:

  • Most of the stele has survived, showcasing ancient law and order.