Explain why the Code of Hammurabi was written on a diorite stele.

The physical properties of diorite that promote the preservation of the code.

Diorite is an extremely hard and durable rock that easily withstands damage from time, moisture, or temperature changes. Its strength allows for precise engravings without the risk of breakage or rapid erosion. It also retains clear and visible inscriptions for several millennia, making the text enduring and legible even after centuries. In short, diorite is the ideal medium if you want your legal code to remain intact and clear for a very long time.

The political and religious symbolism associated with diorite.

In Babylonian times, diorite was much more than just a solid stone: it carried a true symbolic, political, and religious dimension. It was a stone associated with strength, prestige, and divine power, as its exceptional hardness reflected the image of a solid and eternal reign, much like a divine guarantee. By choosing diorite to engrave his code, Hammurabi sent a clear message: his laws were validated by the gods themselves and would remain valid forever, just like this time-resistant stone. This thus reinforced his legitimacy as king and gave him a kind of undeniable celestial protection in the eyes of the Babylonian people.

The importance of sustainability and permanence in Babylonian law.

The Babylonians believed that laws came directly from the gods, so they had to remain unchanged and visible to all for a very long time. Writing inscribed in diorite ensured that nothing could be easily modified or erased. It was thus a way to show everyone that these laws were eternal, solid, and above all, non-negotiable. By choosing a material as hard as diorite, Hammurabi wanted to demonstrate his authority and his willingness to impose social, economic, and legal order durably on his people. Having the laws engraved in stone rather than on fragile materials was frankly a quite clear message about their importance and their sacred nature.

The availability and value of diorite material during the time of Hammurabi.

In the time of Hammurabi, diorite was considered a highly valued precious stone but not easy to find. Mainly sourced from distant quarries located in regions now found in Egypt and Oman, its rarity and transportation difficulties significantly increased its value. As a result, choosing diorite to engrave the code was also a subtle way for Hammurabi to showcase his wealth, power, and influence. In short, it was not just a matter of durability, but also a story of royal prestige and asserting that he could afford luxury!