Final answer:
The laws of ancient societies indicate problems such as tension over resource allocation, enforcement of social hierarchy, and the balance between public order and personal liberty. Historical laws provide insight into the values and concerns of the times, often reflecting a need to maintain order and resolve conflicts.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining the laws of ancient societies, certain problems become apparent that reflect the values and concerns of their time. For instance, the economic emphasis in Babylonian laws, such as those focused on agriculture and irrigation, suggests that land management and food production were significant issues. This can indicate tensions around resource allocation and responsibilities among different classes. Similarly, the Aztecs enforced strict laws to maintain social hierarchy, punishing anyone who attempted to transcend their class with measures as severe as death, indicating the importance placed on social order and class structure. Also, laws like the Code of Hammurabi, which were based on retributive justice, reflect a society that was trying to maintain order and resolve conflicts in a direct, often harsh manner. It is also noticeable that many early laws had a distinct focus on social control through strict consequences, such as the punishments for commoners who imitated the elite in Aztec society. These laws suggest that preserving the established social order and preventing social mobility were persistent problems or concerns. Regarding the prohibition laws that were aimed at resolving social issues, they were likely to be controversial, as they would have faced opposition from those who believed in individual freedoms, which suggests a tension between maintaining public order and preserving personal liberties.