Africa, during the time of the Ancient civilizations Mesopotamia and Egypt had clash of differences they could not work out peacefully. Taking a closer look at their legal systems show a big way how they compare and also how they contrast.
Ancient Egypt and Ancient Mesopotamia both had advance structured law systems. The laws created where said to be influenced by there Gods. In Egypt the Pharaoh was the one who enforced these laws. In Mesopotamia the Kings were the ones to enforce them. These two Ancient civilizations compare and contrast only to the extent by which of the two law systems were more useful. In Egypt they had a “ Ancient Egyptian Legal System”. And in Mesopotamia they a the “ Code of Hammurabi”. Both of these systems where influenced by the Gods in each Ancient civilization.
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The Laws (Codes) were inspired by one of the Gods Egyptians looked up to as the Goddess of truth. She was called “Ma’at”. Therefore, the legal system they followed was “The Code of Ma’at”. which included 42 laws. These codes required that all individuals be treated as equals without regard to positions of power or personal wealth. All individuals except the slaves. These laws were enforced by the Pharaoh who was considered to be a living, walking god. When it came to discipline Criminal punishments ranged from simple corporal punishment, such as lashings, to capital punishments, such as burning alive or decapitation. The consequences for disobeying the laws were very brutal and also gruesome. Man and Women were seen as equal, so there was no higher privilege based on gender. Not all ancient civilizations had the same respect toward the women as the ancient Egyptians did. Women had respect. They had the right to there own property, enter into legal contracts, and serve on juries and be witnesses in court. Egyptian rights back then were relatable to the rights we have