Code of Hammurabi

4000 year ago, an Empire (The Babylonian Empire) (606BC-536BC) was in Babylon. Babylon, 

‘area of Mesopotamia’/Iraq,’’ was consisted of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Turkey.

Hammurabi was the emperor of Babylonian Empire. He was 6th emperor of Babylonian Empire. 

He wrote a set of laws/ code that was called ‘‘CODE OF HAMMURABI’’.

Code of Hammurabi is one of the world oldest set of laws that was written by Emperor Hammurabi (king

of Babylon) in 18th century BC.

Hammurabi Code is used to understand the values of ancient Mesopotamia/ Iraq and also to 

understand the concept of justice.

Today Babylon is a site in central Iraq. But in Hammurabi’s time, it was the capital of the 

kingdom Babylonia.

Hammurabi (Babylonian King) created the Law of code called ‘Hammurabi code’.

Code of Hammurabi

It consisted of 282 laws. It was frst law system in Middle East civilization. Laws were written in 

stone pillar placed in public location so everyone can take a look at these 282 laws that every 

citizen should obeyed. The original stone is located now in Louve Museum in France.

Hammurabi created these laws because he wants that everyone be responsible for their own 

actions.

What did the law code define? 

Code defines a Crime and its punishment based on social status in society. e.g., severe 

punishment for poor and general people. 

Example: 

if a poor person a assaulting a rich man, he might pay with his life. If a rich man could assault a poor man, he can only pay a fine. Therefore, the code define crime and its punishment

based only on social status in society. 

How was Hammurabi code enforced? 

Large pillar were placed around the empire, which defined crimes and their punishments. 

Public official were held accountable for keeping peace. If they failed to do so they would be 

punished.

Code of Hammurabi emphasized on the retributive theory of punishment. An eye for an eye.

If anyone bring an accusation of any crime, and does not prove his innocence he shall be 

charged with capital punishment / be put to death.

If anyone steal the property or receives stolen property, he shall be put to death. 

If fire breakout in a house and someone takes property from that house he shall be thrown into

that same fire.

What did Hammurabi code focus on the?

1. Marriage: Parents arranged marriage and men controlled wives.

2. Family: Father ruled the household and men dominating Society. ‘‘If a son has 

struck his father he shall cut of his hand’’.

3. Patriarchal society: Male dominated society.

Importance of Code Hammurabi:

(It was the first law in Babylon civilization. The code also made place safer and made life fair.

Keys Points of Code of Hammurabi

• 282 Laws /Punishment based on social status (slaves, fee man, property owner)

• Major laws =slavery, trade, duties of workers, theft, divorce.

• 1/2 of code Hammurabi focused on contract 

• 1/3 of code Hammurabi deals with household relationship 

Types of social classes =3 social classes 

1. The amelu (elite class) 

2. Mushkenu(free man )

2. Ardu(slave)

(Women had limited rights and were based around marriage, contract and divorce right)

Features of Code of Hammurabi... 

 Are same as mentioned above in detail.... 

STAY blessed ☘️