Hammurabi

Who was Hammurabi and when did he rule?

Hammurabi was the sixth king of the first Babylonian Dynasty and ruled from 1792 to 1750 BC. He is mostly known for his code of laws, which established principles of justice and legal reform in ancient Mesopotamia.

How did he make Babylon more than just a city state?

He expanded Babylon’s territory through military conquests and established trade networks, making it a cultural and economic hub.

What achievement was he most known for?

He was most known for his code of laws

What are 3 other achievements of his reign?

He shifted the balance of power, conquered Babylon, and constructed temples.

How many laws were there and how were they recorded?

There were 282 laws and they were recorded on clay tablets.

2 common themes with Hammurabi’s law code were gender discrimination and social inequality. Could you explain what this means?

Gender discrimination means that men and women were treated differently under the laws. Social inequality refers to the different rights and privileges granted to various social classes.

Could you explain what an eye for an eye means?

It is a principle from Hammurabi’s Cod of Laws, it means that the punishment should match the crime that was done.

Did people marry for love in Hammurabi’s Kingdom? If not,how?

Most marriages were arranged rather than real love. Family typically chose partners based on social status, wealth, and alliances.

Why did he become king? What does this tell us about how power was achieved in Mesopotamia?

He became king after succeeding his father, Sin-Mubalit, who was the previous king. This indicates that in Mesopotamia, power was achieved by hereditary succession and having the ability to unite various regions under a single rule.

What risks come from hereditary monarchy?

Risks that come from hereditary monarchy are the potential for poor leadership