Final answer:
The geography and way of life in Babylon, including its agricultural focus, threats of invasion, and wealth disparities, may have contributed to a harsh system of justice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geography and way of life in Babylon may have led to a harsh system of justice for several reasons:
- Babylon was a major agricultural center, and many of their laws dealt with agricultural issues. This suggests that disputes related to land and resources may have been common, leading to a need for a strict and harsh justice system to maintain order.
- The Babylonian Empire was a center of power and faced rival kingdoms. This constant threat of invasion and conflict may have necessitated a harsh system of justice to deter potential rebellions and maintain control over the empire.
- Babylon was a wealthy empire with a flourishing trade network. The king and court accumulated huge wealth, which may have created social tensions and disparities. A harsh system of justice could have been used to enforce the social order and protect the interests of the ruling elite.