Hammurabi

Hammurabi's Babylonia 1

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Votive monument to Hammurabi BM 22454 n01

P1050763 Louvre code Hammurabi face rwk

Babylonian tablet of Hammurabi

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Babylonian stele Louvre Sb9

Hammurabi was the sixth king of the First Dynasty of Babylon, reigning from 1792 BC to 1750 BC. He is best known for the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest and most comprehensive written legal codes. Hammurabi's rule extended across much of Mesopotamia, thanks to a series of military and diplomatic successes. His reign is often considered a high point in the history of the Old Babylonian Period.

Early Life and Reign

Little is known about Hammurabi's early life before he ascended the throne. He inherited a relatively small kingdom centered around the city of Babylon, but through strategic military campaigns and alliances, he expanded his domain to include much of Mesopotamia. Hammurabi's military conquests began with the defeat of rival city-states such as Eshnunna, Larsa, and Mari. These victories were crucial in establishing Babylonian dominance in the region.

Code of Hammurabi

The Code of Hammurabi is perhaps Hammurabi's most enduring legacy. It is a comprehensive set of laws inscribed on a stele, detailing legal procedures and penalties for various offenses. The Code covered a wide range of topics, including theft, agriculture, family law, and civil rights. One of its most famous principles is the concept of "an eye for an eye," though this was applied more flexibly than often assumed. The Code of Hammurabi provides valuable insights into the social, economic, and legal structures of ancient Mesopotamia.

Administration and Legacy

Hammurabi was not only a military conqueror but also an adept administrator. He implemented major improvements in infrastructure, such as the construction of canals for irrigation and transportation, which boosted agricultural productivity and trade. Hammurabi also promoted the worship of Marduk, the patron deity of Babylon, which helped unify his empire under a common religion.

After his death, Hammurabi's empire began to decline, eventually falling to the Hittites and later to the Kassites. However, his contributions to legal and administrative practices left a lasting impact on subsequent civilizations. The Code of Hammurabi influenced the development of legal thought in the ancient world and remains a subject of study in the fields of law, history, and archaeology.

See Also

• Babylon
• Code of Hammurabi
• Old Babylonian Period
• Marduk