The Code of Hammurabi is an ancient Babylonian law code dating to the 18th century BCE, presenting a comprehensive set of rules governing civil, criminal, and family matters. It is celebrated for its early articulation of the principle of proportional justice and its influence on later legal traditions, making it a cornerstone of ancient Near Eastern literature and legal history.
Try these questions
- What are the central themes or motifs that emerge from the laws, such as justice, social hierarchy, or divine authority?
- How does the portrayal of King Hammurabi function as a character within the text, and what does it reveal about his role as lawgiver?
- In what ways does the Code reflect the historical and cultural context of Babylonian society, including its economy, religion, and social structure?
- What stylistic features and narrative techniques are used in the prologue and the law listings, and how do they shape the reader’s understanding of the code?
The Code of Hammurabi
Hammurabi, King of Babylon