Comparing and Contrasting the Code of Hammurabi and the Column of Trajan - Essay Example

?Comparing and Contrasting the of Hammurabi and the Column of Trajan The of Hammurabi and the Column of Trajan are poignant works that depict the culture of their respective nations. The former portrays Babylonian way of life. It specifically gives a picture of their society in 1772 BC. The later reflects the customs of the High Empire in Rome. The piece dates back to 113 AD. While the code encompasses edicts as well as punishments, the column shows victories in wars. Both of the pieces emphasize the legacies of great rulers. Specifically, the icons illustrate how the two leaders divergently executed their similar aim to shelter their citizenries. These two works of art have a couple of similarities regarding their identity. The two effigies contain inscriptions. The Babylonian piece contains groups of laws. Similarly, the Roman column encompasses figures as well as an engraving that gives a remark so people can make sense of the structure. It talks about the people of Rome dedicating the image to Caesar. Moreover, the engravings were created following a certain order. The decrees were written in respect to the social status of the people. For instance, the rulings specified how a certain sanction will be applied to a noble citizen or to a slave. The column also has divisions in its carvings. The depicted wars were split into the two battles. The upper part portrays the war with the Dacians from 101 AD to 102 AD whereas the lower part showed what transpired from 105 AD-106 AD. Though their observable contents are dissimilar, their underlying theme is the same. The Code sought to honor Hammurabi’s wisdom and views on justice. Likewise, the Column commemorated the excellence of Trajan’s warfare skills. On the other hand, the differences regarding the statues’ identity are the material, artists, dating, and themes depicted. The artist responsible for the Code of Hammurabi’s construction is not yet verified since it is among the ancient works. It was found in 1901 by Gustave Jequier. He was an Egyptologist who was in an expedition. Nonetheless, the Column of Trajan was most likely overseen by Apollodorus, the known architect from Damascus. Furthermore, the material used in creating the legal code was a crude stone slab. Other duplicates of the manuscripts were found in other places (Freely, 2000). They were imprinted on tablets made of baked clay. Another copy of the Code is on a diorite stele and it is currently in The Louvre. The index shaped structure features an almost complete version of the laws. Regarding the Roman triumphal column, it is mainly made of marble (Lancaster, 1999). The hollow beam consists of Carrara marble drums. Spiral stairs occupy the center. The huge edifice stands 30 meters or 98 feet high. The gap between the two works of art regarding their period is quite discernible. The Code came centuries before Trajan’s column. Their respective features speak of differences of craftsmanship that reflect the civilization of their times. The subsequent erection characterizes finer and more advanced craftsmanship. They also have distinctions as to their manifest content. While the Code of Hammurabi concentrates on what is accepted and what is not in their society, Trajan’s Column focuses on the settings that represent crusades against their enemies. A total of 2500 figures were found. Most of them were soldiers, priests, and soldiers. The emperor was illustrated 59 times. The 282 laws encompass conditions on trade, slavery, conducts, religion, and others (King, 2005). One of the most common decrees found in the slab is “an eye for an eye” (Prince, 1904, p.602). The sanctions reflect how restrictions, punishments, and authorizations were being facilitated. Concerning the similarities of style, the two pieces are both realistic and geometrical. The king’s proclamations are credibly inscribed on the tablets and steles. Correspondingly, the column displays the realistic activities of the individuals organizing and involving in clashes. Particularly, Trajan’s column is an example of sequential sculpture in which successions of images tell stories. Concerning their shape, both works are geometric. The Code is written on slabs that are usually rectangular in shape. The displayed stele in the Louvre is likewise geometric taking the form of a fingertip. Mutually, the artists of the pieces did not employ color. The hues from the objects solely emanated from the materials that they were made from. For example, the Code reflects the color of the iron that it was made from while the pillar mirrors the lightness of the marbles. They also have alike texture. Since the raw objects used were generally sturdy, their texture is mostly hard. Noticeably, the negative spaces or the areas with no carvings can reflect more light, hence are perceived as smoother. Furthermore, the origin of the styles in each specimen demonstrates a single culture. The rules exhibit the Old Babylonian civilization whereas the sequential images present that of Rome. The variances in style include their height, subject, and medium. The Babylonian piece is 7.4 feet or 2.25 meters high. The Roman post is much taller at 30 meters or 98 feet. As what was stated in the aforementioned paragraphs, the subjects are also distinctive. The codes are in cuneiform script. The figures in the column are the ones involved in the wars. Significantly, the medium affects the quality of the output. Since the rulings were imprinted on stele, the piece looks less intricate and polished as compared to the column made of marbles. Regarding the objects’ similarities in function and symbolism, the masterpieces present certain secular aspects and governance implications. The Code of Hammurabi focuses on the judiciary aspect of their nation. It is a compilation of authorized practices. Trajan’s Column is known as a triumphal column. It served as memorial for the conquests of the emperor. The pillar is also a funerary column. In its base lie Trajan’s ashes. Equally, they represent earthly pursuits. Another similarity is an aspect of their symbolism. Individually, the structures remind the masses about their respective eminent rulers. They signify what their past leaders have contributed to the improvement of their civilization. The diversities are on the precise purposes that they highlight. The Mesopotamian item mainly manifests the legal decisions of the king. Additionally, it has a list of the concerned towns in their territory. The Code also symbolizes the goal of Hammurabi for the next rulers to continue respecting the diktats he has set. It also has a spiritual aspect to it since Hammurabi was said to receive laws from his god, Shamash. Thus, his decrees were religiously influenced. On other hand, the funerary and triumph column particularly signifies the excellence of the emperor in defeating their adversaries (Dasians). It also serves as a vessel of Trajan’s remains. If the other object is a testament of justice and wisdom, the column is an indication of self-glorification. There are points of likenesses concerning culture that the two objects reveal. First, both of the artifacts have been influenced by wars that were occurring during their time. Hammurabi was famed to be the “king who made the four quarters of the earth obedient” (Harris, & Zucker,, 2000, p. 2). He conquered most parts of Mesopotamia and had his judgments followed by his constituents. This is the reason why several copies of the code were found in different parts of the region. In the same way, the Roman column was influenced by what took place in their battles. For instance, the scenes engraved included physicians addressing the wounded soldiers’ concerns. Second, the value of continuity is taken into account by the two designs. The laws are meant not only for the reign of Hammurabi but also for the succeeding kings and princes. The king wanted to make sure that justice will also ensue in future generations. The figures in the column were fashioned in a spiraling formation. The scenes show the continual events regarding the Dacian wars. Another match is the declaring of a god. A prologue to the code emphasizes the connection between the gods and the kings. It was specified that Hammurabi feared his god. Also, Trajan’s column gave a picture of god Zamolxis. He is depicted to sanction suicide and some secret rites. Furthermore, political thought may be gleaned from both works. One of the functions of the code is to employ political authority to create a union among the people. Comparably, Trajan is shown as a political leader who was able to command his militaries to victory. Moreover, the objet d’ arts express the power that their nation had during those times. Babylon became a very powerful territory. Hammurabi wanted to protect his empire and widened his occupancy in different directions. Trajan was likewise a strong emperor who was capable in sheltering his land. This will also indicate that territory has always been an essential aspect between nations. It can be cogitated that a leader’s success lies in his ability to expand his domain. Divergences on the ways of life concerning the works of art involve social classes, and language. Hammurabi’s code was very much particular when it comes to the status of the people. For instance, if a wealthy man killed a slave, his hands would get cut off. However, if a slave would commit the same offense, he would be stoned to death. The differences on how people from different classes were treated are apparent. This is in disparity from the column since the distinction between classes is not emphasized. The spirals did not specify how a person of a higher status was regarded as compared to that of a lower rank. Secondly, the form of language used in showing Trajan’s exploits is symbolical so that young children and other citizens who could not read could still appreciate the message of the images. Images were used instead of words. As for the collection of laws, letters were utilized. Those who are only able to read can be fully aware of the message encrypted on the slabs of stones, wood, and iron. The variation of their progress in art is also perceptible. The artistic skills can be more recognizably esteemed in the column. Its size, elaborate details, and durability speak of a more innovative culture. It is also understandable that the probable tools utilized were far more sophisticated. It would be difficult to produce such effects without developed devices. Indeed, The Code of Hammurabi and Trajan’s Column have various correspondences as well as contrasts. When it comes to their identities, they both have inscriptions. Though the words mean differently, both pieces valued letters as mediums of communication. There are also divisions in the content found in the objects. The differences on their identity include the nature of the artists, subject, substance, and dating. Regarding style, they are realistic and geometric. However, their height and manifest content are dissimilar. Furthermore, the two pieces focus on judiciary and political aspects but they differ in their specific functions. The works were influenced by war, powerful leaders, and the continuity of existence. Their respective language and depiction of social classes emphasize their disparities. The artefacts remind the present civilization how influential individuals shaped civilization in two different places. Hence, it is clear that these icons emanate how Hammurabi and Trajan wielded their formidable leadership in varied ways. Bibliography Harris, B., Zucker, S. and German, S. (2001). Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi. Musee du Louvre. Retrieved from http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/law-code-stele-of-king-hammurabi.html Freely, J. (2000).Blue Guide Istanbul. London: A&C Black. Lancaster, L. (1999), "Building Trajan's Column", American Journal of Archaeology (Archaeological Institute of America), 103 (3), 419–439. Prince,D.J. (1904). The code of Hammurabi. The American Journal of Theology , 8( 3), 601–609. Read More