6.12 Hammurabi's Code

How did the Code of Hammurabi create rules for justice in ancient Mesopotamia, and what do its laws show about fairness and punishment at the time?

EQ

Analyze the impact of the introduction of written law in the Code of Hammurabi, and explain its basic principles of justice.

Standard 6.12

​As you listen to Mr. Nicky, highlight the lyrics that pertain to POLITICS.

Let's recap 6.09 - Monarchy to Empire

1. Free citizens met, discussed, and made decisions for themselves.

2. Populations grew into larger city-states. They then realized they needed 1 leader to help them through troubling times.

3. In Sumer, the king was appointed only during time of crisis. However, one war lead to another war. The city-states were constantly fighting over land. So, he made himself the permanent king.

4. King Sargon from Akkad became the king of the Sumerian city-state of Kish. He conquered many Mesopotamian city-states, and he united much of Mesopotamia under his rule. He created the world's first empire: the Akkadian Empire. **empire: an area made up of several different countries or territories ruled by one person called an emperor.

5. As he conquered the city-states, he spread his ideas, culture, and writing systems. This also allowed for trading to increase and even brought peace to the people

Let's read pages 52-53 then answer the questions at the bottom of page 53.

Check your answers with mine before moving on

Hammurabi was thought to be a just leader. He was the first king to have a code of law to control his vast empire. (code of law: a set of written rules for people to obey). 

The code helped form the idea that government should provide protection and justice. It was written in cuneiform AND displayed on the pillars near the ziggurats.

The code consisted of 282 "if-then" laws that listed illegal acts. There were different punishments for each social class. (SAY WHAT?!?!)

Hammurabi's Code Recap!

Stele of Hammurabi at The Louvre, Paris

You be the Judge!

Use pages pgs. 56-57 in your Q1 Booklet to decide the punishment for the crimes listed on pgs. 54-55.