The Code of Hammurabi

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The “Code of Hammurabi” is considered to be one of the most valuable finds of human existence. In fact its very existence created the basis for the justice system we have come to rely on today. The creation of “the Code” was a tremendous achievement for not only Babylonian society but for the entire Mesopotamian region as King Hammurabi was ruler over all of that area. Its conception can be considered to be the first culmination of the laws of different regions into a single, logical text. Hammurabi wanted to be an efficient ruler and realized that this could be achieved through the use of a common set of laws which applied to all territories and all citizens who fell under his rule. This paper will discuss the Hammurabi Code and the implications it had after its inception. Prior to Hammurabi the ruler was “Sargon of Akkad”; a revolutionary leader who began his professional life as a minister. Sargon was also an amazing warrior who conquered cities, then put them under his rule. As a result, his armies increased in numbers and power. Sargon found it important to be physically present in each territory and would travel along with his armies from city to city. Unfortunately, these travels were troublesome for the cities which he visited because they had to provide accommodations for him. Sargon seized control of trade routes and resources as a means of generating wealth; this eventually created resentment among the territories. Despite Sargon’s rule, each territory continued to maintain its own laws and way of life. (Bentley and Zeigler, p. 29) Sargon created a legacy for those following him especially Hammurabi. Hammurabi was perhaps one of the most famous leaders of the Babylonian empire; self-named “king of the four quarters o... ... middle of paper ... ... “I put her away” in order for her to leave the home; if he does not say this, she will continue to live in the house even he chooses to marry someone else. On the other hand, a woman could also file for divorce if she has not done anything wrong within her marriage but does not want to be with her husband. Providing that such a woman has been deemed “good” and has said “Thou shalt not possess me” she may take whatever wealth she brought into the marriage and return to her parents. (Bentley and Zeigler, p.31) The Hammurabi Code of Law was the original father of our “penal and civil laws” of today. It provided guidance on creating a general code that sought to be just and applicable to all classes of citizens. Hammurabi can be considered as the forefather of the modern justice system; we should be very thankful to past societies and rulers for their contributions.

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