Hammurabi: King and Lawgiver

Introduction

• Hammurabi reigned from 1792-1750 BCE.
• Sixth king of the Amorite First Dynasty of Babylon.
• Famous for his law code, which influenced subsequent laws, including Mosaic Law of the Bible.
• First ruler to govern all of Mesopotamia successfully without revolt after conquest.

Rise to Power

• Succeeded his father, Sin-Muballit, who had stabilized but not expanded the kingdom.
• Initially controlled cities of Babylon, Kish, Sippar, and Borsippa.
• Expanded his kingdom through military campaigns and strategic alliances.

Background

• Amorites were a nomadic people from the coastal region of Eber Nari (modern-day Syria).
• Sin-Muballit, fifth king, improved infrastructure but couldn't expand the kingdom.
• Rivalry with Larsa, a wealthy trade center on the Persian Gulf.

Conquest and Strategy

• Hammurabi's administration and popularity increased through debt forgiveness and temple renovations.
• Formed and broke alliances strategically to expand his territory.
• Used tactics like damming water sources to conquer cities.

Conquests

• Defeated Elamites with Larsa's help, then took cities Uruk, Isin, Nippur, and Lagash.
• Conquered Larsa, removing the last stronghold of Rim Sin.
• Mysteriously destroyed Mari in 1761 BCE after breaking alliance.
• Conquered Assyria and Eshnunna, ruling all Mesopotamia by 1755 BCE.

Hammurabi's Code

• Known as bani matim or 'builder of the land' due to infrastructure projects.
• Law code aimed at social justice and preventing vendettas.
• Not the first law code, but most famous; emphasized retributive justice (Lex Talionis).
• Punishments often corresponded directly to crimes (e.g., "an eye for an eye").

Death and Legacy

• Hammurabi died in 1750 BCE; his son Samsu-Iluna succeeded him.
• The kingdom began to fall apart after his death due to external invasions and internal strife.
• Remembered as a unifier and lawgiver; his rule known for relative peace and infrastructure improvements.
• Linked himself to great rulers like Sargon the Great, emphasizing divine approval for his reign.

Conclusion

• Hammurabi is remembered for successfully uniting Mesopotamia and creating a lasting legal legacy.
• His reign marked by significant achievements in law, administration, and military strategy.