Although there are numerous attributes one could argue’ are necessary to creating a “civilization; having some form of representative written language seems to be a common and arguably essential aspect. Written language allows for the codification of thought. By doing so, it creates a singular, objective, and shared experience of the world. There becomes an official “right” and “wrong” which can be enforced over large and diverse areas and is (arguably) not open to interpretation; In the ancient world, this stabilization of thought solidified power and perpetuated ideas in a permanent format.
In our exploration of Hammurabi’s 282 laws, we can detect the values of Babylonian culture under the rule of Hammurabi. We get a sense of what was important to the various empires of Mesopotamia by discovering what they were compelled to protect through “official” written laws that were applicable and enforced throughout the growing Babylonian Empire.
For our Reflection this week, take some time to digest Hammurabi’s code and then analyze it with an eye towards our own contemporary view of government and written law. After reading through the code, select two laws you believe are still relevant today, and possibly even still enforced in some fashion. What is the spirit of these laws? What do they protect and what do they teach us about the Babylonians? What was important to them? What did the Babylonians value?
Do not focus on the punishment for breaking each law, as it was often death. Instead focus your attention on what was being protected: Family? Property? Personal freedom? the Environment? Pets?
Required Quotations / Citations: You must cite Hammurabi’s code primary source ( PDF posted in Canvas)