Hammurabi Code Of Laws

In the time period of 1792 B.C., the world suddenly began approaching its new era of exploration and encounter. People were becoming to realize the importance of a strong and settled empire. It was about time; after all, the city wasn’t reaching its full potential it had. After the sorrow death of King Sun-Muballit, a new leader would come in and take his place and perhaps follow his footsteps. “This leader was the oldest son of Sun-Muballit and would be the sixth king that has taken power over the small city-state, Babylon.” ( King, Page 1) This powerful king was named Hammurabi. Hammurabi was born and raised in Babylon, the land found between the Euphrates River and Tigris River, which is known as Iraq today. Hammurabi came from a loyal family,

He had a very strong nation and wanted to keep it under control. Hammurabi was primarily influential to the world because of his code of laws. His code’s consisted of two hundred and eighty two provisions, which were systematically arranged under a variety of subjects. The codes were functioned in an organized and systematic way. It was divided into groups such as family, labor, personal property, trade, real-estate, and other business. Hammurabi had his laws recorded upon an eight foot high black stone monument, with the laws written in columns so nobody would have an excuse for violating one of the laws. “The codes were based on principles like, the strong should not injure the weak, and that punishment should fit the crime. The laws are simple and there is only one ultimate punishment- death.” ( Santayana, Page 2) Many of the codes were brutal, but at the time it led to a much safer society. Such as if one was to steal; his hands would be cut off. These punishments led to a lower rate of murders and other intentional killings. After the death of King Hammurabi, his laws became something classical in the ancient