Final answer:
King Hammurabi of Babylon, ruling from 1792 to 1750 BCE, is credited with the creation of the first written code of laws known as the Code of Hammurabi. These laws covered various aspects of daily life and introduced principles of fairness and legal protections, influencing future legal systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Babylonian Ruler and Lawgiver
The ruler of Babylon credited with the creation of the first written code of laws is Hammurabi. He ruled from approximately 1792 to 1750 BCE and implemented a legal code that encapsulated various aspects of daily life, from inheritance to criminal actions. This set of laws, known as the Code of Hammurabi, was inscribed on a stele and placed throughout the empire, signifying the importance of the rule of law and reflecting Hammurabi's intent to govern with a sense of justice and order. The Code of Hammurabi is recognized for introducing early concepts of fairness and legal rights, establishing principles that would influence legal systems for centuries to come.
Distinguished by its clarity and detail, Hammurabi's Code addressed the rights and obligations of different classes within Babylonian society, including free men, commoners, and slaves. It outlined consequences for various infractions and sought to protect citizens from unjust treatment such as unfair loan terms and property damage. The code also held city officials accountable for law enforcement and offered protections for women, albeit within a context where they were considered secondary to men.
Under Hammurabi's leadership, the Babylonian Empire flourished economically and expanded its reach, re-centering Mesopotamia around Babylon. His laws ensured uniformity across the diverse cultures and city-states within his empire, reflecting both his judicial and administrative acumen.