What is the "Code of Hammurabi"?

The "Code of Hammurabi" is recognized as one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes in human history, dating back to around 1754 BC in ancient Mesopotamia. It has significant historical importance because it represents an early effort to establish a cohesive set of laws that governed society and addressed various civil, criminal, and economic issues. The code consists of a preamble and 282 laws inscribed on a stele, which was publicly displayed for citizens to understand the regulations governing their behavior and the penalties for violations.

This foundational document laid the groundwork for later legal systems by emphasizing the importance of justice and the rule of law. Incorporating principles such as "an eye for an eye," it serves as an early example of the formalized approach to law enforcement and societal order. As such, the identification of the Code of Hammurabi as the first set of known written laws reflects its pivotal role in legal history and its influence on subsequent legal codes around the world.