Babylonian Civilization and the Code of Hammurabi - Essay Example

The Code of Hammurabi reveals the stratification in society. It should also be noted that the right and punishment of the individual is largely based on his social class. The Babylonian society into three distinct classes namely the free-born man, the freedman, and the slave. Occupying the highest level of social strata, the patrician enjoys the most rights and privileges. However, more is also expected of him as his punishments are heavier and more severe than the lower ones. For example, Hammurabi stipulates, “If a physician heal the broken bone or diseased soft part of a man, the patient shall pay the physician five shekels in money. If he were a freed man he shall pay three shekels. If he were a slave his owner shall pay the physician two shekels” (Johns 218-220).

Hammurabi also stresses the important position of temple in the society stating that its “foundation stands firm as heaven and earth” (Johns 285). Thus the people serving in the temples dedicated to this sacred purpose live a vow of chastity and are prohibited from entering the tavern (Johns 113).

The Code of Hammurabi encompasses different societal aspects namely property law, leasing, hired labor, debt, trade, family law, and punishment. One of the most noted laws which are still very famous today is his stand on “a tooth for a tooth” and “an eye for an eye” (Johns 198). It also stipulates the sanctity of marriage and that each party should fulfill their own obligations to each other (Johns 128-130).

I believe that the Code of Hammurabi is very important noting its significance in illustrating the early Babylonian civilization. It also shows that inequality and social stratification is a common features of any culture and punishments vary according to a man’s position in society. However, even though Johns has been very successful in translating the cuneiform script into the English language, I should still note that the document is still unfriendly to contemporary readers like me. Read More