Question

Stele of Hammurabi

Carved Basalt stone located in Susa ca. 1880 B.C.E. Babylon's most powerful king was Hammurabi, the first ruler to establish codified (written) laws for his realm recorded on this stele.

Options:
A) 2000 B.C.E.
B) 1880 B.C.E.
C) 1800 B.C.E.
D) 1700 B.C.E.

Answer 1

The Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi dates to around 1792-1750 BCE, depicting the early codified laws of Babylon and emphasizing Hammurabi's divine right to rule.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Stele of Hammurabi is a significant artifact from ancient Mesopotamian history, representing the one of the earliest codified legal systems. King Hammurabi ruled Babylon, and his reign lasted from approximately 1792-1750 BCE. This period aligns with the dated creation of the Law Code Stele which is a basalt stone stele carved with cuneiform script detailing various laws. The most complete version of this stele was discovered in Susa and is currently housed at the Musee du Louvre in Paris. The law code is not only a legal document but also a physical representation of Hammurabi's power, indicated by the relief at the top of the stele showing Hammurabi receiving divine rulership tools from a god, likely Marduk or Shamash. This depiction enforces the concept of divine right to rule and justice in the land.