Code of Hammurabi (jun 23, 16633 BC – nov 27, 4924 BC)
Description:
1792-1750 BCE
basalt
Susian (modern Iran)
Hammurabi was the most far-reaching leader of Mesopotamian history. He expanded the city-state of Babylon along the Euphrates River.
Micro-manager
Said to have received the laws from the god Shamash
Carved stele in relief. Bodies frontal, but heads in profile (common in Egyptian art)
Inscribed cuneiform.
Written in Akkadian.
3 parts -
Prologue - King Hammurabi facing god Shamash (sun god; god of justice) Hammurabi receiving scepter and ring which are signs of power.
300 laws; somewhat like legal precedences. Action/consequence.
Epilogue - posterity of the king.
These laws tell us about Babylonian culture. Their focus on agriculture, points out tensions in their society, family life. They were an advanced culture.
Added to timeline:
Acient mediteranian
Date:
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