The Oldest Code of Laws in the World

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Oldest Code of Laws in the World

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

This early 20th-century translation presents the Code of Hammurabi, one of history's most significant legal monuments. Enacted by a Babylonian king in the third millennium B.C., the code governed Mesopotamia and influenced later Hebrew traditions. This edition offers a literal English rendering of the ancient laws, providing insight into early judicial decisions, social structures, and the evolution of human justice.

Summary up to 500 words

C. H. W. Johns' *The Oldest Code of Laws in the World* presents a comprehensive translation of the Code of Hammurabi, one of humanity's most significant legal monuments. Dating to the first dynasty of Babylon, this diorite stele, discovered at Susa, codifies the laws enacted by King Hammurabi, whose rule extended across Mesopotamia. The text serves as a crucial historical bridge, influencing Canaanite society and later becoming a standard textbook in Assyrian schools centuries later. The code begins with severe penalties for sorcery and perjury, establishing the sanctity of oaths and judicial authority. It meticulously regulates commerce, property rights, and labor, often imposing death for theft of temple goods or livestock without restitution. A defining feature of the code is its stratified justice system; penalties and compensation vary strictly based on the social status of the victim, distinguishing between the son of a freeman, a slave, or a poor man. For instance, a doctor who blinds a gentleman loses his hands, whereas harming a slave results only in financial compensation. Family law is extensively covered, governing marriage, divorce, dowries, and the rights of wives and concubines. The code prescribes death for adultery or incest, while also addressing complex scenarios regarding captive husbands and the status of children born to them. It further details the responsibilities of guardians, shepherds, and builders, holding builders to the highest standard of safety, with death as the penalty for negligence causing a house collapse. The introduction highlights the code's enduring impact, noting its role in shaping judicial thought and its study in ancient academies. Johns' translation aims to make this fundamental text accessible, offering a window into the judicial mind of ancient Mesopotamia. By presenting a literal yet readable version, the work illuminates the principles of codified law that have resonated through history, from the Tigris and Euphrates to the Mediterranean coast.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/claude-hermann-walter-johns_oldest-code-of-laws-in-the-world.epub

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Categories

• Classics
• History