View source for 9. Hammurabi's Code reflected a change in law. What was that change? Why important ?

Return to [[*History 8 Mesopotamia Notes]]

During the Sumerian Monarchy, things changed significantly.  The Old Babylonians believed that their leader was not just supreme, but of divine origin as well, like a god.  This called for the leader to have more power and a tighter hand on his monarchy, calling for changes in the laws.  Hammurabi's Code allowed the government to more actively chase, try, and punish lawbreakers.  The punihsments for crimes became much harsher, and the death penalty was applied more often.  This adjustment of rules gave the king more power over his many cities, allowing him to stay in control.

Sources- [http://www2.sjs.org/Beniretto/Mesopotamia/textcomputerexercise.html#Sumerians] [http://avalon.law.yale.edu/ancient/hammpre.asp]


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Katie Smith