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What does Hammurabi’s Code reveal about societal values and realities?

Firstly, Hammurabi’s Code demonstrates the idea of justice based on retaliation in an early civilization, as can be found in provisions analogous to the famous saying, "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." Offenders of physical harm are punished in exactly the same way the victims are harmed by them, given that they are of the same class.


Secondly, the Code reveals the class distinction of the ancient Babylonian society. It divides the population into three classes: property owners, freed men, and slaves, and provides for varied punishments for the same crimes based on the class of the victims and the perpetrators. Those belonging to the lower classes receive much more severe punishments for doing the same wrongs and get less compensation for suffering from the same damage as those belonging to the upper classes.


Thirdly, it is evidence of the patriarchal nature of the society. Although the laws attempt to grant some protection to women and children from patriarchal abuse, men are entitled to more rights than women and are permitted to sell their wives and kids into slavery under certain circumstances, such as to pay off debts.


Last but not least, the Code embodies the absolute power possessed by the top ruler of ancient Babylon. Made and enacted by Hammurabi, the Code is in effect a representation of the king’s own judicial beliefs rather than the general public’s.  Although many rules may seem unfair from a modern perspective, Hammurabi’s Code served to maintain the social order and reinforced the king’s reign, as well as provided inspiration for many later rule-makers.

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