By Al-Fassel | 2025-10-17

Inscribed on its surface was one of the earliest and most influential legal codes in human history, the Code of Hammurabi.

This artifact was commissioned by King Hammurabi of Babylon and shaped the legal framework of its time. It also left a legacy that continues to captivate historians, archaeologists, and legal scholars today.

A King’s Vision: Justice Written in Stone

Will Durant, the author of The Story of Civilization, wrote: "The Code of Hammurabi is one of the greatest monuments in the history of law. It is the earliest known attempt to establish justice by legislation."

Hammurabi, who ruled Babylon from 1792 to 1750 BC, was more than a king—he was a pioneer of governance. As his empire expanded, Hammurabi sought to unify his diverse population under a single, standardized system of laws.

The result was the Code of Hammurabi, a collection of 282 laws addressing trade, property disputes, family matters, and criminal justice.

At the top of the stele, Hammurabi is depicted standing before Shamash, the Mesopotamian god of justice.

This striking image reinforced the divine authority of the laws, positioning Hammurabi not just as a king but as a chosen intermediary of the gods. The symbolism was clear: justice was sacred, and Hammurabi was its earthly enforcer.

Justice for All—or Just for Some?

The Code of Hammurabi is often celebrated as a groundbreaking legal achievement, but its fairness was far from universal. The principle of “an eye for an eye” famously appears in the text, embodying a system of retributive justice.

However, the punishments outlined in the code varied greatly depending on social class. Injuring a noble carried far harsher consequences than harming a commoner or a slave.

Despite these inequities, the code was revolutionary for its time. It established a standardized legal framework, ensuring that disputes were resolved based on written laws rather than the whims of rulers or judges.

The Stele’s Journey Through Time

Originally displayed in Babylon, the stele stood as a testament to Hammurabi’s legacy for centuries. However, its journey took an unexpected turn around the 12th century BCE. It was seized by the Elamites and transported to their capital, Susa, in modern-day Iran.

There, it remained buried for millennia until French archaeologists uncovered it in 1901.

Today, the Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi resides in the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it attracts visitors from around the globe. Its inscriptions, written in ancient cuneiform script, have been meticulously translated, offering modern audiences a rare glimpse into the complexities of Babylonian society.

Why the Code Still Matters

The Code of Hammurabi is more than a historical artifact—it’s a symbol of humanity’s enduring quest for justice and order.

By introducing written laws, Hammurabi set a precedent for governance that transcended his era. While modern legal systems have evolved significantly, the principles of fairness, accountability, and the rule of law remain central to societies worldwide.

Hammurabi’s Code continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of law and the human desire to create systems that uphold it.