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What was the Code of Hammurabi?

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Quick answer

The Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest known sets of written laws, created around 1750 BCE by King Hammurabi of Babylon. Carved on a stone pillar, its roughly 282 laws covered trade, property, and justice — famous for 'an eye for an eye'.

Key things to understand

  1. It's among the earliest known written law codes.
  2. Created by King Hammurabi of Babylon around 1750 BCE.
  3. It listed about 282 laws on a stone pillar.
  4. It's famous for the principle 'an eye for an eye'.

People also ask

What was the Code of Hammurabi?
One of the oldest written legal codes, set down by Babylon's King Hammurabi around 1750 BCE.
What is the Code of Hammurabi known for?
Its principle of proportional justice — 'an eye for an eye' — and being among the first written laws.
Why was the Code of Hammurabi important?
It showed that laws could be written, public, and applied to society — an early foundation of justice systems.