Turning Points in History: Hammurabi’s Code of Laws

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDALXORbtR4

• What would the world, nations, states, and

communities be like if there were no laws?

Who was Hammurabi?

• Greatest King of Babylon Empire • A powerful military leader and outstanding

political leader• Known for his wisdom and justice

Accomplishments of Hammurabi• Developed one of the first written law codes in

the world known as the Hammurabi codes. (282 laws)– Created around 1772 BC

• Provided rules for settling problems • Written on stone tablets

Hammurabi’s Code

• Laws were designed to prevent the strong from oppressing the weak.

• Example- the code outlined the rules and punishments for dishonest business practices and nonpayment of debt.

• Protected the rights of women to own certain types of property.

• PUNISHMENTS WERE CONSIDERED SEVERE AND HARSH

• Such as cutting of a hand or putting out an eye. “An eye for an eye!” “A tooth for a tooth!”

Legacy of Hammurabi’s Code

• Long after the end of the Babylonian Empire, Hammurabi’s code continued to influence the development of the legal system. (Ideas from codes are used today)