description Code of Hammurabi Overview
The Code of Hammurabi is a monumental basalt stele originating from ancient Babylon. Carved in approximately 1754 BC, it presents one of the earliest known comprehensive legal codes. The code, attributed to King Hammurabi, outlines 282 laws governing various aspects of Babylonian society including commerce, family, and justice. It remains a significant historical artifact for scholars studying early law, Mesopotamian civilization, and the development of legal systems.
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Code of Hammurabi ranks #9 of 584 in the Relic ranking, behind Alexander Sarcophagus, ahead of Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia.
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What exactly is the Code of Hammurabi?
The Code of Hammurabi is a monumental basalt stele originating from ancient Babylon that presents one of the earliest known comprehensive legal codes. Attributed to King Hammurabi, it outlines 282 specific laws governing various aspects of Babylonian society.
When was the Code of Hammurabi created?
The stele was carved in approximately 1754 BC during the reign of King Hammurabi of Babylon. It represents one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world, utilizing the ancient Akkadian language written in cuneiform script.
Where is the original Code of Hammurabi stele located today?
The most famous and complete copy of the code is currently housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. It was discovered in 1901 by a French archaeological expedition led by Jacques de Morgan in Susa, modern-day Iran.
What is the underlying principle of the laws in the Code of Hammurabi?
The code is famous for its strict "lex talionis" principle, often summarized as "an eye for an eye." However, the severity of the punishment was heavily dependent on social class, with harsher penalties exacted upon commoners who injured a noble.
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