Hammurabi :: Essays Papers

Hammurabi Of the human racey law ordinances surviving from the ancient Middle East, perhaps the nearly famous is the Code of Hammurabi, sixth King of the Amorite Dynasty of Old Babylon. Today, the code, engraved in stone takes on a unique form as a piece of art. However, decoded it is clear that this stone was obeyed and served as a sort of governmental propaganda.The noted stone found in 1901 by French archeologists, instantaneously rests in the Paris Louvre where it is preserved from moisture and natural decomposition. The defenseless material consists of an 8 ft. tall block of black basalt engraved with cuneiform. It all the way intended to be observed in public. The immense size of this jounce was a sign of strength and authority and its dark coloration an menacing warning. At the top is a depiction of Hammurabi receiving the code from Shamash the sun divinity fudge or god of justice. In this picture the two men be the same size, which symbolizes Hammurabis po wer being equal to that of the gods. Below this is a prologue praising Hammurbais wisdom and power. To further its legitimacy the law code was in those days regarded as subject for prayer, though the prayers here argon chiefly cursings of whoever shall neglect or destroy the law.The content of the code regulates in clear and definite strokes the organization of society and the harsh punishment for crimes. For example, the check who testifies falsely is to be slain. Indeed, more serious crimes were punishable with death. If a man builds a house poorly, and it falls and kills the owner, the builder is to be slain. If the owners son is killed, the builders son is slain. The idea of eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth could not be debated.