The Code of Hammurabi

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Code of Hammurabi

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

This landmark text presents the ancient Babylonian law code of Hammurabi, a comprehensive collection of 282 statutes governing trade, family life, and justice in Mesopotamia. Translated by Leonard William King, the work offers a readable glimpse into a society where divine authority underpinned strict legal codes, featuring the famous principle of retaliation and detailed regulations on property, slavery, and social hierarchy.

Summary up to 500 words

The Code of Hammurabi, as presented by Leonard William King, stands as the earliest known example of a ruler publicly proclaiming a comprehensive body of laws arranged in orderly groups. Carved onto a black stone monument intended for public display, the code begins and ends with addresses to the gods, framing legal authority as a divine mandate. Introduced by Charles F. Horne, the text contextualizes the code within the history of Babylonian civilization, noting that while earlier laws existed, Hammurabi's reign unified the empire under a uniform legal system. The laws regulate every aspect of life, organizing society into three distinct classes: the *amelu* (patricians with full civil rights), the *muskinu* (commoners who were free but subject to monetary compensation for injuries), and the *ardu* (slaves). The code establishes the principle of *lex talionis*, or "an eye for an eye," applying strict retaliatory punishments for crimes such as false accusation, theft, and building negligence. For instance, if a builder constructs a house that collapses and kills the owner, the builder is put to death; if the owner's son dies, the builder's son is slain. However, the code includes exceptions, such as the ordeal by water, where an accused person could prove innocence by surviving the Euphrates River. The text details the rights and obligations of landowners, merchants, and workers, setting specific fines for theft based on the victim's status and wages for laborers. It addresses the status of women, the treatment of slaves, and the duties of judges, who face severe penalties, including expulsion and heavy fines, for errors in judgment. The code also covers property disputes, military service, and agricultural contracts, reflecting a complex economy and social structure. In the epilogue, Hammurabi inscribes his own claims, stating he established justice to protect the weak from the strong and to further the well-being of mankind. He includes curses upon any future ruler who alters the law, invoking the wrath of gods like Anu, Bel, and Shamash. The code survived centuries of conquest, influencing later legal systems in the region and serving as a foundational text for understanding ancient Mesopotamian civilization.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• History