description Code of Hammurabi Stele Overview
The Code of Hammurabi Stele is a diorite stone slab inscribed with Babylonian laws dating to approximately 1754 BC. It represents one of the earliest known comprehensive legal codes. The stele details over 282 laws covering various aspects of life including trade, family, and justice. Created by King Hammurabi of Babylon, it’s a significant historical artifact for scholars studying ancient Mesopotamia and its legal systems.
Historians, archaeologists, and those interested in early law are particularly engaged with this document.
help Code of Hammurabi Stele FAQ
When was the Code of Hammurabi created?
The Code of Hammurabi was created during the reign of the Babylonian king Hammurabi, dating back to approximately 1754 BC. It represents one of the oldest and most comprehensive deciphered writings of significant length in the world.
Where is the original Code of Hammurabi Stele currently located?
The most complete and famous copy of the stele is currently on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris. It was discovered in 1901 by a French archaeological expedition led by Jacques de Morgan in Susa, which is in modern-day Iran.
How many laws are inscribed on the Code of Hammurabi Stele?
The basalt stele is inscribed with 282 specific laws written in the ancient Akkadian language using cuneiform script. These laws cover a wide range of topics, including trade, marriage, slavery, theft, and liability.
What is the most famous legal principle found on the Code of Hammurabi Stele?
The stele is famous for establishing the principle of "lex talionis," or the law of retaliation, commonly known as "an eye for an eye." It features harsh, strict punishments scaled directly to the social class of the victim and the offender.
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