Code of Hammurabi (Long Version)

Questions for Further Study

• 1. If you are familiar with the Old Testament of the Bible, particularly what Jews refer to as the Torah, or the first five books of the Old Testament (sometimes called the Pentateuch), compare and contrast it with the Code of Hammurabi.
• 2. How does the Code of Hammurabi suggest an evolution from a pastoral, nomadic, and tribal community to a more settled, organized, agrarian community?
• 3. Compare and contrast Hammurabi's laws with some of the laws in effect in modern societies today. Are there any similarities, in, for example, laws governing inheritances or crime?
• 4. Why is the Code of Hammurabi considered a “milestone” document in the history of law and, indeed, of civilization itself? What, if anything, is unique about it?
• 5. Historians note that documents such as this often have the purpose of legitimizing a reign. In this regard, compare the Code of Hammurabi with another document, such as Mandate of Heaven from China or Deeds of the Divine Augustus from ancient Rome. How do the two documents set about establishing the authority and legitimacy of the rulers?