Stele of Hammurabi

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the stele of Hammurabi and discusses the information that surrounds it and how it correlates with today's western society. The paper recounts the general history of the ancient Babylonian king, Hammurabi, paying particular attention to his codes protecting all classes of the Babylonian society, including women and slaves. The paper also addresses the social and judicial structures, many of which are outlined on the stele. The paper concludes that Hammurabi gave to the world not only a set of laws that ruled society and business, but also a tradition of the importance of justice under those laws. The paper includes an appendix, which provides a translation of the enscription on the stele of Hammurabi.

From the Paper:

"Hammurabi's Code consists of 44 columns of text, 28 paragraphs, of which contain the actual code. There are 282 laws, possibly more have been rubbed off, that probably amended common Babylonian law rather than define it. The code describes regulations for legal procedure, fixed rates on services performed in most branches of commerce and describes property rights, personal injury, and penalties for false testimony and accusations. The code has no laws regarding religion."

Sample of Sources Used:

• A World of Art, fourth edition, Henry M Sayre, 2004.

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