The Code of Hammurabi (Illustrated)

The Code of Hammurabi is a well-preserved Babylonian code of law of ancient Mesopotamia, developed during reigning Hammurabi from c. 1792 BC to c. 1750 BC (according to the Middle Chronology) of the 1st dynasty of Babylon. It is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world. These 282 case laws include economic provisions (prices, tariffs, trade, and commerce), family law (marriage and divorce), as well as criminal law (assault, theft) and civil law (slavery, debt). Penalties varied according to the status of the offenders and the circumstances of the offenses. One of the best known laws from Hammurabi's code was “eye for an eye” law: §196. If a man has caused the loss of a gentleman’s eye, his eye one shall cause to be lost.