The Code of Hammurabi
  • Home
  • Introduction
    • Relation to Theme
  • Background
    • Previous Codes of Law
    • Hammurabi
    • Hammurabi's Conquests
    • Creation of the Code
  • Stele of Hammurabi
    • Original Text
    • Translated Text>
      • Importance of Religion
      • Laws on Property and Theft
      • Laws on False Acccusations
      • Laws on Familial Matters
      • Laws on Assault and Battery
      • Laws on Professions and Work
  • Historical Significance
    • Basis of Modern Law
    • Discrimination>
      • Social Class Discrimination
      • Gender Discrimination
  • Key Terms
  • Resources
    • Process Paper
    • Annotated Bibliography

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

Click image to view transformation.
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

The Stele of Hammurabi
Translated Text
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