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![What was the Code of Hammurabi, - Early Humans and Begin - [Teachoo] - Concepts](https://cdn.teachoo.com/ecdefb27-2a81-4555-ac4d-64bc52cf1021/the-stele-of-hammurabi.jpg)
- It was a collection of rules covering how people should behave with each other , and it applied throughout his empire .
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What it was | A collection of rules for civil and social conduct |
| Where it applied | Throughout his empire |
| Why it mattered | A foundational model for many later legal systems |
- It was the most significant contribution of Hammurabi .
Beyond the textbook.
Why it mattered:
- Laws were written down instead of being remembered or decided on the spot.
- Because written, they applied across the empire rather than case by case.
- People could know the law in advance , instead of depending on a ruler's mood.
Was it fair to all sections of society?
- Not fully. Punishments depended on a person's class .
- A noble, a commoner and a slave were not treated alike for the same offence.
- It still reflected the social hierarchy of Mesopotamian society.
- But it was a major step forward, because even an unfair written law is more predictable than no law at all.
NCERT question · Questions and activities, Q9
With the help of your teacher, find out more about the Code of Hammurabi. Why was it important? Do you think it was fair to all sections of society? Give reasons for your answer.
