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Code of Hammurabi
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The Code of Hammurabi diorite stela, with carved figures at the top showing Hammurabi seated with cuneiform inscriptions below. Hammurabi before Shamash Stela inscribed with the Code of Hammurabi Close-up of the Code of Hammurabi stele showing rows of ancient cuneiform script carved into dark stone, with some worn and pitted areas on the surface.
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The Code of Hammurabi diorite stela, with carved figures at the top showing Hammurabi seated with cuneiform inscriptions below.
Code of Hammurabi Diorite stela inscribed with the Code of Hammurabi, 18th century bce.

Code of Hammurabi

Babylonian laws
Written by
Teagan Wolter
Teagan Wolter is Associate Editor of Anthropology at Encyclopædia Britannica.
Teagan Wolter
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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•History

Code of Hammurabi, collection of Babylonian laws, developed during the reign of Hammurabi (1792–1750 bce) of the first dynasty of Babylon. It was composed toward the end of his reign and inscribed on a stone stela. These 282 laws include economic provisions (prices, tariffs, trade, and commerce), family law (marriage and divorce), criminal law (assault and theft), and civil law (slavery and debt). Penalties varied according to the status of the offenders and the circumstances...

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