Prologue and Epilogue to the Code of Hammurabi (Excerpts)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key deities, figures, and components referenced in Hammurabi’s Prologue and Epilogue excerpts.

Hammurabi

King of the Babylonians (ca. 1792–1750 BCE); author of the prologue and epilogue; described as the protecting king who rules to destroy the wicked and to enlighten the land.

Code of Hammurabi

Prologue and Epilogue to Hammurabi’s Code (excerpts) that frame the laws as rooted in divine authority and aim to establish righteousness and security.

Anu the Sublime

King of the Anunaki; supreme sky god who, with Bel, decreed Hammurabi’s fate and dominion.

Bel

Lord of Heaven and Earth; divine figure who, with Anu, assigns authority to Hammurabi and Marduk.

Marduk

Over-ruling son of Ea; Babylonian god of righteousness who is given dominion over earthly man.

Ea

God of wisdom; father of Marduk; described as bestowing wisdom and keen vision to Hammurabi.

Igigi

Group of gods; Hammurabi is described as ruling among the Igigi and they helped establish Babylon.

Shamash

Sun god; Hammurabi compares his rule to Shamash, the source of justice.

Zamama

Deity who, with Ishtar, entrusted Hammurabi with mighty weapons.

Ishtar

Goddess associated with love and war; paired with Zamama as the deities who entrusted Hammurabi with weapons.

E-Sagil

Temple in Babylon; described as having foundations as firm as heaven and earth and serving as the site to declare justice.

Prologue

Opening portion of the Code of Hammurabi that outlines divine authorship and the aim to establish rule of righteousness.

Epilogue

Closing portion of the Code expressing Hammurabi’s mission as protector and memorializing his deeds.

Babylon

City in Mesopotamia where Anu and Bel are honored; Hammurabi’s realm and the center of his rule.