Overview
This lecture covers the Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi, a Babylonian artifact from around 1792–1750 B.C.E., exploring its artistic features, historical context, and the significance of law in ancient Mesopotamian society.
Description and Structure of the Stele
- The stele is a tall basalt monument carved in relief at the top and inscribed with Akkadian cuneiform below.
- It is divided into three parts: prologue, laws, and epilogue.
- The top relief shows King Hammurabi receiving symbols of authority from Shamash, the god of justice.
Artistic Features and Symbolism
- Shamash, identified by his horned crown and radiant shoulders, is depicted gifting Hammurabi a scepter and ring as signs of power.
- The composition uses a composite view: frontal shoulders and profile face, typical in ancient Near Eastern art.
- Shamash sits on a throne over mountains, symbolizing his divine status.
Content and Purpose of the Laws
- The stele contains over 300 laws addressing legal precedents by stating actions and their consequences (e.g., "if X, then Y").
- Many laws deal with family life, agriculture, irrigation, and societal tensions.
- The principle of equivalence, similar to "an eye for an eye," appears in the code.
Historical and Cultural Context
- Hammurabi ruled Babylon and much of Mesopotamia, portraying himself as a just, pious king with divine authority.
- Laws were likely compiled from pre-existing judgments rather than newly invented by the king.
- The stele demonstrates the advanced organization and reliance on law in Mesopotamian urban society.
Preservation and Legacy
- The stele survives mostly intact, broken into only three pieces.
- The artifact serves as a lasting testament to Hammurabi's legacy and the world's debt to ancient Mesopotamian civilization.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Stele — A tall stone slab often carved or inscribed for commemorative purposes.
- Cuneiform — The wedge-shaped script used in ancient Mesopotamia.
- Akkadian — The Semitic language of ancient Mesopotamia in which the code is written.
- Shamash — The Mesopotamian sun god and god of justice.
- Prologue/Epilogue — Introductory and concluding texts framing the main body of laws.
- Relief Sculpture — A sculptural technique where figures project from a flat background.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read an English translation of the Code of Hammurabi on Yale’s Avalon Project.
- Review textbook chapter on rethinking art of the Ancient Near East in "Reframing Art History".
- Explore related works from ancient Mesopotamia for further context.