Code of Hammurabi

Hammurabi (spelled Hammurapi in some texts) was the 6th king of the Old Babylonian Empire, which held sway over much of Mesopotamia in the early 2nd millennium BCE (See: Background). He had a relatively long reign, from c.1792 to c.1750 BCE (as rendered according to the “middle chronology” of ancient Near Eastern studies). During Hammurabi’s rule, Babylon expanded its rule from a relatively small area to encompass nearly the entirety of Mesopotamia. He conquered the major city-states of southern Mesopotamia, like Larsa, and the ruling powers of northern Mesopotamia, like Mari. He even exerted influence over another major power at the time, Assyria, forcing it to become a tribute state to Babylon.

Hammurabi’s reign proceeded in three main stages. The first period, of about 20 years, was relatively peaceful, in which Hammurabi engaged in a series of public works and improvements of the civil infrastructure of Babylon. In the second period, about a decade in length, Hammurabi was engaged in his wars of conquest, first to the south and then to the north. The third and final period of his reign, also a decade in length, saw the consolidation of Hammurabi’s power as he administered his extensive empire. It was in this final period of his reign that his famous Code was produced and etched onto its black stone stele.