Original Text

In total, there are 282 laws in Hammurabi’s Code. About 100 of these laws describe matters of property and trade, and another 100 involve familial matters and other related issues. Hammurabi instituted harsh punishments as consequences for breaking laws in order to maintain a stable empire. Other topics that the laws address include religion, military service, slavery, food, the duties of workers, and thievery.
Image courtesy of: Robert W. Brown, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
How to Read Cuneiform
Cuneiform was read from right to left, top to bottom
Image courtesy of: The Louvre Museum
The Babylonian Cuneiform Alphabet
The cuneiform alphabet during Hammurabi's reign.
Image courtesy of: WatsonEastwold, WordPress.com
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Picture
This animation depicts the evolution of cuneiform through the years.
Image courtesy of: The Louvre Museum
Close-up of Cuneiform Writing on the Code of Hammurabi
A close-up of the Code of Hammurabi. Notice the wedge-shaped marks, or cuneiform.
Image courtesy of: Owen Jarus, LiveScience.com
Video courtesy of: Getty Museum, YouTube.com