Hammurabi and Draconian Laws Overview

The video explores Hammurabi's rise to power and his establishment of the Babylonian Empire. It highlights Hammurabi's Code, one of the first written legal codes, known for its 'eye for an eye' principle. The Code's impact on society, its administrative and educational reforms, and its comparison with Draconian laws are discussed. The video concludes with a look at Solon's reforms in Athens, which replaced the harsh Draconian laws.

What was Hammurabi's primary achievement as a ruler?

• Building the Hanging Gardens

• Establishing the first university

• Expanding Babylon's dominance over Mesopotamia

• Inventing the wheel

What is Hammurabi best remembered for?

• His role as a reformer and legislator

• His diplomatic skills

• His architectural achievements

• His military conquests

What was a significant feature of Hammurabi's Code?

• It was only applicable to the elite

• It was written in hieroglyphics

• It was the first code to allow for presumed innocence

• It was kept secret from the public

Which principle was central to Hammurabi's Code?

• The right to remain silent

• An eye for an eye

• The divine right of kings

• Trial by combat

What was a consequence of the public display of Hammurabi's Code?

• It was often ignored by the elite

• It prevented the elite from easily circumventing the laws

• It was only accessible to the literate

• It led to widespread literacy

What was a notable aspect of Hammurabi's administrative system?

• It was decentralized

• It was based on a feudal system

• It included independent authorities to check local commanders

• It relied solely on oral communication

Which law allowed a woman to divorce her husband in Hammurabi's Code?

• Law 129

• Law 196

• Law 127

• Law 142

What was a characteristic of the Draconian Laws?

• They were extremely harsh and severe

• They were unwritten and secretive

• They were based on Hammurabi's Code

• They were lenient and forgiving

Who replaced the Draconian Laws with a more balanced legal system?

• Hammurabi

• Solon

• Draco

• Plato

What was Solon's contribution to Athenian society?

• He built the Parthenon

• He created a fair legal system

• He expanded the Athenian Empire

• He invented democracy