Final answer:
The early code of law described as 'an eye for an eye' refers to the Code of Hammurabi, established by King Hammurabi of Babylon in 1754 BC, emphasizing justice proportionate to the crime.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early code of law defined by the concept of equal retaliation, often phrased as an eye for an eye, is the Code of Hammurabi.
This ancient Babylonian code was established by King Hammurabi around 1754 BC and became a cornerstone for understanding justice and fairness in the ancient world.
Its principle of proportional justice, designed to fit the crime, formed an early foundation for legal systems, although penalties often varied based on social class.
The Code of Hammurabi is also noted for legal innovations such as the presumption of innocence and the importance of evidence in judicial proceedings.
It substantially influenced the legal practices of Mesopotamia for centuries following Hammurabi's reign and introduced measures to restrict excessive retaliation, thereby preventing an endless cycle of retribution that could escalate violence.