A collection of 282 laws inscribed on a massive stone stele, this ancient legal text provides a glimpse into the societal structure and justice system of Mesopotamia around 1754 BC. The inscription covers various aspects of daily life, from trade and property rights to family law and criminal offenses. Its significance lies in being one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes discovered, offering valuable insights into the principles of justice and social order in the ancient world.
The importance of this legal compilation extends beyond its antiquity. It reveals a hierarchical society with distinct social classes and corresponding penalties for offenses. The concept of “an eye for an eye” retributive justice is prominently featured, yet also reflects a system that considered the social standing of both the perpetrator and the victim. Its discovery and translation revolutionized the understanding of early legal systems and their impact on shaping societal norms. This ancient document provides a foundation for comparative legal studies and highlights the evolution of justice concepts across cultures and time.