1.3 Key Features of the Hammurabi Code Worksheet PDF

The Hammurabi Code Worksheet PDF offers several key features that enhance its educational value. It includes a comprehensive set of questions designed to test understanding of the Code’s historical context, legal principles, and societal impact. The worksheet is accompanied by an answer key, providing clear and accurate responses for self-assessment or teacher evaluation. Additionally, it incorporates excerpts from the Code itself, allowing students to analyze original legal texts. The PDF format ensures accessibility and ease of use, making it a practical resource for both in-class activities and independent study. These features collectively create an engaging and effective learning tool for exploring one of history’s most influential legal documents.

Background of Hammurabi and His Code

Hammurabi, the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty, ruled from 1792 to 1750 BCE. He united Mesopotamia through military and administrative prowess, creating a lasting legal legacy with his code.

2.1 Who Was Hammurabi?

Hammurabi was the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty, reigning from 1792 to 1750 BCE. He was an Amorite ruler who united various Mesopotamian city-states, creating a centralized empire. Known for his military prowess and administrative skills, Hammurabi expanded Babylon’s influence, establishing it as a dominant power. His father, Sin-muballit, abdicated, allowing Hammurabi to ascend to the throne. Beyond his conquests, Hammurabi is celebrated for the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest written legal systems. His reign laid the foundation for Babylon’s prosperity and legal traditions, leaving a lasting legacy in ancient Mesopotamia.

2.2 Historical Context of the Babylonian Empire

The Babylonian Empire, under Hammurabi’s rule, emerged as a dominant power in Mesopotamia during the 18th century BCE; Following a period of fragmentation among city-states, Hammurabi unified these regions through strategic military campaigns and diplomatic alliances. His reign marked the transition from a collection of independent cities to a centralized empire. The empire’s prosperity was fueled by its location in the fertile plain between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, facilitating agriculture and trade. Socially, Babylonian society was hierarchical, with distinct classes of rulers, priests, merchants, and laborers. Hammurabi’s legal reforms, including his famous code, reflected this structured society, aiming to maintain order and justice. The empire’s cultural achievements, such as advancements in writing and architecture, further solidified its legacy.

2.3 Purpose of the Code of Hammurabi

The Code of Hammurabi was created to establish a unified legal system for the Babylonian Empire, ensuring justice and order across its diverse population. Hammurabi aimed to standardize laws, making them accessible to all citizens, and to promote fairness in judicial proceedings. The code served as a tool to consolidate his authority, presenting himself as a wise and just ruler. It addressed various aspects of life, including commerce, family, and criminal behavior, providing clear penalties for wrongdoing. By inscribing the laws on a public stele, Hammurabi ensured their visibility and permanence, reinforcing the empire’s legal and moral framework. This legal system not only maintained social order but also reflected the values and expectations of Babylonian society during his reign.

Structure of the Code of Hammurabi

The Code of Hammurabi is one of the earliest written legal codes, inscribed on a stele. It is divided into a prologue, numbered laws, and an epilogue, providing a systematic framework for justice and governance in ancient Babylon.

3.1 Organization of the Laws

The Code of Hammurabi is organized into a structured format, beginning with a prologue that outlines Hammurabi’s divine authority. The laws themselves are numbered and cover various aspects of Babylonian society, including commerce, family, and crime. Each law follows a clear “if-then” structure, specifying offenses and their corresponding punishments. This systematic approach reflects an advanced understanding of legal principles for its time. The code is inscribed on a stele, a stone slab, and its organization ensures clarity and accessibility. The laws are divided into sections addressing different social classes and situations, demonstrating a sophisticated legal framework. This organization highlights the code’s historical significance as one of the earliest written legal systems.

3.2 The Prologue and Epilogue

The Code of Hammurabi begins with a prologue that establishes Hammurabi’s divine authority, commissioned by the gods to create justice and order. It introduces the king’s role as a wise ruler entrusted with maintaining harmony in society. The epilogue, conversely, concludes the code by praising Hammurabi’s wisdom and fairness. It also includes curses for anyone who disregards or alters the laws, ensuring their eternal enforcement. Both sections frame the legal code as a sacred and unalterable decree, reinforcing its legitimacy and enduring relevance. These introductory and concluding passages highlight the code’s religious and moral underpinnings, emphasizing its role as a foundational document for governance and justice in ancient Babylonian society;

3.3 Key Sections of the Code

The Code of Hammurabi is divided into key sections that address various aspects of society. It includes laws related to family, commerce, and punishment, with specific provisions for theft, marriage, and trade. One notable section is the “eye for an eye” principle, which emphasizes retributive justice. The code also outlines rules for social classes, property rights, and legal procedures. Each section reflects the societal norms and values of ancient Babylon, offering insights into its legal and cultural framework. These sections are essential for understanding the code’s historical significance and its impact on subsequent legal systems. The worksheet guide helps students analyze these sections critically, fostering a deeper understanding of ancient law and its relevance today.

Key Provisions of the Hammurabi Code

The Code includes laws on theft, family, and commerce, with punishments like “an eye for an eye.” It reflects Babylonian societal norms and legal values.

4.1 Laws Related to Theft and Punishment

The Code of Hammurabi includes strict laws addressing theft, with severe punishments to deter such crimes. For instance, breaking into a house resulted in death, reflecting the seriousness of property rights. Harboring a runaway slave also led to execution, emphasizing societal order. These laws demonstrate a retributive approach, often following the “eye for an eye” principle. The harsh penalties highlight the importance of maintaining social stability and justice in ancient Babylonian society, while also showcasing the legal system’s focus on accountability and deterrence through fear of severe consequences.

4.2 Laws Governing Family and Marriage

The Code of Hammurabi includes specific laws regulating family and marriage, reflecting the societal norms of ancient Babylon. Adultery, for instance, was punishable by death for women, while men faced less severe penalties, highlighting gender-based disparities. Laws also addressed divorce, allowing husbands to end marriages but requiring financial support for wives. Women’s rights were limited, with their roles often tied to domestic duties. These laws underscored the patriarchal structure of Babylonian society, emphasizing familial stability and property rights. Such provisions demonstrate how legal systems were shaped by cultural and social hierarchies, providing insight into the daily lives and expectations of ancient Babylonian families.