Final answer:
The Stele of Hammurabi is significant in Western civilization history texts because it is one of the earliest codes of written law, reflecting the advanced societal and legal structures of ancient Mesopotamia, and demonstrating the foundational role of law in the development of civilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Stele of Hammurabi is discussed frequently in textbooks on the history of western civilization due to its profound historical significance. As an artifact from around 1792-1750 BCE, it represents one of the earliest and most complete written codes of law, inscribed on a stone monument. Hammurabi, a Babylonian king, is depicted on the stele receiving laws from the sun-god Shamash, which underscores the theocratic nature of his rule and suggests that the laws were deemed to come directly from the divine. This connection between the divine and legal authority highlights Hammurabi's position as a pious ruler committed to justice, and the code itself includes laws that cover a wide range of societal issues, from inheritance to criminal acts, demonstrating the complexity and advancement of Mesopotamian civilization.
By codifying laws, Hammurabi laid a foundation that would influence future legal systems. The Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi contributes to our understanding of the societal structure, values, and administrative practices that have shaped the development of civilization, emphasizing the rule of law as an essential component. Therefore, the stele is of immense educational value for understanding the progression of legal systems and administrative governance, reflecting the importance of law in maintaining a civil society and ensuring the well-being of mankind, as expressed in the inscriptions on the stele.