The Code of Hammurabi

The Code of Hammurabi is a well-preserved Babylonian law code that dates back to the 18th century BCE during the reign of King Hammurabi of Babylon. It consists of 282 laws that cover a wide range of topics including civil and criminal matters property rights family law trade regulations and labor issues. The code is inscribed on a large stele or stone pillar which was discovered in 1901 in modern-day Iran (formerly Persia). Leonard William King among other scholars played a role in translating and deciphering the Code of Hammurabi. His works such as The Code of Hammurabi: Translated into English from the Original Cuneiform Text (1902) presented an accessible and authoritative translation of the code. Kings translation provided insights into the legal and social framework of ancient Babylon and contributed to the understanding of ancient Mesopotamian society.