Question

With the help of your teacher, find out more about the Code of Hammurabi. Why was it important? Do you think it was fair to all sections of society? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer 1

The Code of Hammurabi was a set of laws created by Hammurabi, the king of Babylon, around 18th century BCE. It contained rules about trade, property, marriage, family, wages, crimes and punishments. It is important because it is one of the earliest known written collections of laws and helps us understand the social, economic and political life of ancient Mesopotamia.

I do not think the Code was completely fair to all sections of society. The punishments were often different depending on a person’s social status. Wealthy and free people could receive different treatment from poorer people and enslaved persons. Women and slaves also had fewer rights than free men. Therefore, although the Code tried to maintain order and justice, it reflected the unequal social structure of ancient Babylon.