Content Starts Here
Hammurabi
Encyclopaedia Search
Hammurabi
. This inscribed stone stele, discovered at Susa (an ancient city north of the Gulf) in 1901, is the principal (and only considerable) source of the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest known codes of law. At the top of the stele, Hammurabi is shown worshipping Shamash, the god of justice, who handed down the laws to the king, who would then enforce them. The code was based on a body of Sumerian law, and consists of Hammurabi\'s legal decisions on 282 case laws.', copy:'(Image © The Art Archive/Eileen Tweedy)'});)
'});)
'});)
Click images to enlarge
Sixth ruler of the first dynasty of Babylon, reigned 1792–1750 or 1728–1686 BC. He united his country and took it to the height of its power. He authorized a legal code, of which a copy was found in 1902.
Hammurabi established a temporary empire by conquering neighbouring city-states, including Mari, from the Gulf to the Middle Euphrates. His reign marked the final extinction of Sumer (Sumerian civilization) as a political power.
© Research Machines plc 2008. All rights reserved. Helicon Publishing is a division of Research Machines plc.
Advertisement starts
Advertisement ends
Related Links
Israel Flag
The Star of David is a centuries-old symbol of Judaism. Blue and white are traditional Jewish colours. Effective date: 21 November 1948.
>>
Advertorial
Find out how to buy the things you've always wanted and sell the things you don't on ebay.
Font size
Mail
My account
Help
Community
Print now
Send to a friend
Related articles
Related products
