What is the Code of Hammurabi?

The Code of Hammurabi is recognized as the earliest known written code of laws, established during the reign of the Babylonian king Hammurabi around 1754 BCE. This collection of rules and legal standards was inscribed on a stone stele and placed in a public area so that all citizens could see and understand the laws governing them. The significance of the Code lies not only in its age but also in its comprehensive nature, addressing various aspects of daily life, including family, labor, property, and trade.

The legal principles outlined in the Code are notable for their "eye for an eye" approach, reflecting the societal values of justice and retribution of that time. By being one of the first attempts to unify legal standards, the Code of Hammurabi laid the foundation for future legal systems and the concept of rule by law, making it a key historical document in the study of law and governance.