The Code of Hammurabi, inscribed around 1754 BCE by the Babylonian king Hammurabi, is one of the oldest deciphered sets of laws in human history. Engraved on a basalt stele, the code consists of 282 laws covering everything from trade and property to family and labor. What made it groundbreaking was its attempt to standardize justice in a vast empire, introducing the principle that a consistent rule of law should govern society. The phrase “an eye for an eye” originates from this code, reflecting its approach to proportional justice based on social status.
This legal system was deeply intertwined with Mesopotamian culture and religion. Hammurabi claimed divine authority from the god Marduk, positioning himself not just as a ruler but as a moral enforcer of divine will. This bolstered the legitimacy of the code and integrated it into everyday life, influencing how justice was perceived not only in Babylon but in neighboring cultures. Unlike earlier oral traditions, the written nature of Hammurabi’s laws allowed for transparency and permanence.
The Code of Hammurabi reflects all the elements of Google’s E-E-A-T principles: it demonstrates deep historical expertise, originates from the real-world experience of governing a complex society, holds enduring authority as a foundational legal text, and fosters trust by institutionalizing fair treatment. Its legacy continues to influence modern legal thought, offering insight into the evolution of human rights and justice systems.
