Social Studies 6: Hammurabi's Code

Questions and Answers

Why was Hammurabi's code important?

Hammurabi's code was important because his kingdom needed order so that everyone could live together. These written laws were the largest set of laws at the time. His laws included an organized court system with judges, which influenced our court system today.

Explain why Hammurabi's code was fair in some ways, and unfair in other ways.

Fair: the weak should not be hurt by the powerful; the legal process was explained so that people knew what a crime was and how it would be punished. Unfair: the penalty for robbery is death.

Why was the development of writing an important step in human history?

Writing was an important step because civilizations needed to keep records for sales, marriages, tax payments, military supplies and pass along codes for future generations to follow.

What does the expression 'an eye for an eye' mean in relation to the laws in Hammurabi's code?

<p>It means that the Babylonians were interested in solving conflicts within their society, and that fairness was the best way to satisfy all of the citizens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Agree or Disagree: Hammurabi was a great leader. Use two pieces of evidence to support your answer.

<p>Great leader: the people of Mesopotamia needed a leader who could bring peace to the land; made sure people had fresh water by building canals; he studied the stars and developed an accurate calendar.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hammurabi's Code

Hammurabi's code was crucial for maintaining order in his kingdom, ensuring coexistence among people.
Represented the largest compilation of laws at that time, establishing a foundation for future legal systems.
Introduced an organized court system with judges, heavily influencing modern judicial practices.

Fairness and Unfairness of the Code

Fairness: Aimed to protect the weak from oppression by the powerful; provided clarity in legal processes to inform citizens of crimes and penalties.
Unfairness: Punishments could be excessively harsh, such as imposing death for robbery, reflecting a lack of proportionality in consequences.

Importance of Writing

Development of writing was pivotal for civilizations to document crucial information like sales, marriages, tax obligations, and military inventory.
Allowed preservation and transmission of knowledge, enabling laws and codes to be passed across generations.

"An Eye for an Eye" Concept

This phrase exemplifies the intention of Hammurabi's laws to address conflicts, highlighting a societal focus on justice and equity.
It represented a commitment to fairness, ensuring that all citizens' grievances could be acknowledged and resolved.

Assessment of Hammurabi as a Leader

As a great leader, Hammurabi restored peace and stability in Mesopotamia, which was essential for a flourishing society.
Implemented key infrastructure projects like canal systems to guarantee access to fresh water.
Engaged in astronomical studies, leading to the creation of an accurate calendar, demonstrating his commitment to the advancement of knowledge and governance.

Description

Explore the significance of Hammurabi's code in this quiz. Understand how his set of laws established order and influenced legal systems, while also examining its fair and unfair aspects. Test your knowledge with these short answer flashcards.