Hammurabi's Code and Its Laws

Hammurabi, a Mesopotamian king, established the Code of Hammurabi, a set of 282 laws engraved in stone. These laws, covering both criminal and civil matters, prescribed specific punishments, often summarized as 'an eye for an eye.' The code reflected the social hierarchy of Babylon, with different penalties based on social rank. An exception to the code allowed divine intervention through a trial by water. The code was discovered in 1901 and is now displayed at the Louvre, offering insights into ancient Babylonian life and justice.

What was the primary purpose of Hammurabi's Code?

• To record a series of laws

• To establish a new religion

• To create a historical document

• To build a monument

What does the phrase 'an eye for an eye' signify in Hammurabi's Code?

• Equal retribution for injuries

• Forgiveness for crimes

• Monetary compensation for damages

• Imprisonment for offenders

Which type of law in Hammurabi's Code deals with defining conduct?

• Religious law

• Criminal law

• International law

• Civil law

What was the punishment for a builder if a poorly constructed house collapsed and killed the owner?

• The builder would be exiled

• The builder would be fined

• The builder would be imprisoned

• The builder would be killed

What unique method was used to determine guilt or innocence in Hammurabi's Code?

• Consultation with priests

• Trial by jury

• Swearing an oath

• Jumping into the Euphrates River

What was the outcome if the accused survived jumping into the Euphrates River?

• The accuser would be punished

• The accuser would take the accused's property

• The accused would be exiled

• The accused would be fined

During which years did Hammurabi reign in Babylon?

• 1000 to 950 BCE

• 1500 to 1450 BCE

• 1795 to 1750 BCE

• 2000 to 1950 BCE

How were punishments determined in Hammurabi's Code when the parties were of different social ranks?

• Equal punishment regardless of rank

• Punishment based on wealth

• Lesser punishment for higher rank

• Greater punishment for higher rank

What was the penalty for causing a free-born woman to lose her unborn child?

• Public apology

• Exile

• Ten shekels of silver

• Imprisonment

Where is the stone pillar with Hammurabi's laws currently displayed?

• The British Museum

• The Smithsonian Institution

• The Louvre in Paris

• The Vatican Museums