Explain why the Babylonians created the Code of Hammurabi.

In short (click here for detailed version)

The Code of Hammurabi was created by the Babylonians to establish rules of conduct, promote order and justice in society, and strengthen the authority of King Hammurabi as the guarantor of the law.

Explain why the Babylonians created the Code of Hammurabi.
In detail, for those interested!

The necessity of organizing Babylonian society

In the time of the Babylonians, society was becoming increasingly complex, with important cities like Babylon housing thousands of inhabitants. To prevent everything from quickly turning into chaos, clear rules had to be established for everyone to follow. The goal was to better organize daily life, regulate trade exchanges, manage neighborhood conflicts, and avoid overly violent personal vendettas. By creating this code, the Babylonians aimed to set down in black and white what was permitted or not and what penalties awaited those who broke these rules. All of this ensured a degree of order and tranquility within a society that kept on growing.

Assert royal authority and divine order

King Hammurabi wanted to clearly demonstrate that his power was granted by the gods, particularly by the great Babylonian god Marduk. By inscribing his code on a stone stele visible to all, he positioned himself directly as an intermediary between the Babylonians and divine will. Obeying these laws thus meant respecting the divine word. This allowed the king to justify his position at the head of the people and more easily impose his undeniable political authority.

Standardize and harmonize legal judgments.

The Babylonians had a real concern: each judge or local authority rendered their decisions somewhat in their own way. As a result, two people with exactly the same problem could be treated completely differently depending on where they were or which judge was deciding. Naturally, this created injustice and disorder. The Code of Hammurabi was designed to establish a clear framework with specific penalties according to the offenses committed. The aim was simple: to make justice fairer and, above all, more predictable for everyone. Gone was the arbitrariness; everyone knew what to expect in cases of theft, commercial disputes, or even marital arguments. It was a way to ensure true social stability by avoiding conflicts related to contradictory or fanciful decisions.

Strengthening social and economic cohesion

With the Code of Hammurabi, the Babylonians primarily aimed to create a more solid and better-organized society. By clearly defining the rules to follow and the penalties involved, everyone knew what to expect, from the simple peasant to the wealthy merchant. This type of system significantly prevents unnecessary disputes or abuses of power. The rules regarding debts, trade, and contracts ensured a certain economic stability, encouraging exchanges and limiting financial conflicts. Everyone played by the same rules, which naturally helped with general trust and the smooth functioning of daily life.

Clearly convey the rights and duties of the Babylonian people.

The Babylonians wanted every citizen to clearly understand their rights and obligations. There was no question of people being able to plead ignorance! As a result, they carved their code into stone for all to see, with specific rules about what happened in cases of theft, family disputes, or debts. Thanks to this, everyone knew exactly what could or could not be done and, above all, what consequences awaited the reckless. Clear, straightforward, and without error to avoid any misunderstandings.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1

What is the influence of the Code of Hammurabi on modern legal systems?

Although our current laws differ significantly from those of Babylon, the Code of Hammurabi established fundamental principles regarding the importance of a codified and accessible legal system, with the essential idea of clearly written laws that are visible and consultable by the entire population.

2

Why is the Code of Hammurabi considered harsh?

The Code is often perceived as harsh because many of its laws are based on the principle of retribution ("an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth") and impose extremely strict penalties for certain offenses. However, its primary aim was to ensure stability, justice, and social order.

3

Did the Code of Hammurabi apply equally to all Babylonian citizens?

No, the penalties could vary depending on the social status of the person involved (for example, nobles, free men, slaves). The severity of the offense and the sanctions depended on social rank and context.

4

How did the Code of Hammurabi contribute to the Babylonian economy?

By establishing detailed and precise trade regulations, the Code allowed merchants, artisans, and farmers to work and trade safely, thus promoting economic development and both internal and external commercial exchanges.

5

How was the Code of Hammurabi discovered?

The Code of Hammurabi was discovered in 1901 by a team of French archaeologists in Susa, Iran. It is inscribed on a black basalt stele, which is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

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