The Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi

Summary

In the Louvre, Steve and Beth explore the Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi, a nearly 4,000-year-old artifact that illustrates the importance of law in ancient civilizations. They discuss its cuneiform inscriptions, depicting Hammurabi receiving divine authority from the sun god Shamash. The stele contains over 300 laws, revealing Babylonian culture's focus on agriculture and family life, and the concept of justice. The video emphasizes the advanced nature of Mesopotamian society and the lasting impact of its legal systems, reminding viewers of the region's historical significance amidst current conflicts.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi is nearly 4,000 years old and is one of the most famous artifacts in the Louvre.
• 📜 The stele features cuneiform inscribed in Akkadian, the language used for official decrees in ancient Mesopotamia.
• 👑 The prologue depicts the Investiture of Hammurabi, where the king receives symbols of power from Shamash, the sun god.
• ✨ Shamash is identifiable by his horned crown and the divine light emanating from him, similar to halos in Christian imagery.
• 🖼️ The artwork reflects a composite view common in Ancient Egyptian and Near-Eastern art, with a mix of frontal and profile perspectives.
• ⚖️ The stele contains over 300 laws, derived from previous judgments rather than original creations by Hammurabi.
• 🔍 Many laws express principles of consequences, illustrating a legal framework akin to the Biblical 'an eye for an eye.'
• 📜 The epilogue emphasizes Hammurabi's importance and the legacy of his rule, ensuring he will be remembered.
• 🌾 The laws address agricultural issues and family life, reflecting the societal tensions and responsibilities of the king.
• 🌍 The stele serves as a reminder of the advanced civilization of Mesopotamia, highlighting its contributions to modern legal systems.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi?

The Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi is significant as it represents one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes in history, illustrating the foundational role of law in civilization.

How old is the Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi?

The stele is nearly 4,000 years old, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia.

What materials and techniques were used to create the stele?

The stele is made of stone and features carved relief at the top, with cuneiform inscriptions on the sides and below.

What language is the text inscribed on the stele, and what does it represent?

The text is inscribed in Akkadian, which was used for official government decrees in ancient Mesopotamia.

Who is depicted in the relief at the top of the stele?

The relief depicts King Hammurabi on the left facing the god Shamash, the sun god and god of justice.

What symbols indicate Shamash's divinity in the stele?

Shamash is identified by his horned crown and the flames or light emanating from his shoulders, which symbolize divine light.

What is the structure of the text on the stele?

The text is divided into three parts: a prologue, the laws themselves, and an epilogue that addresses the king's legacy.

What is one example of a law from the Code of Hammurabi?

One example states that if a man builds a house and it collapses, causing the owner's death, the builder shall be put to death.

How does the Code of Hammurabi relate to Biblical law?

The Code of Hammurabi includes the principle of retribution, similar to the Biblical law of 'an eye for an eye,' and predates that Biblical text.

What insights does the stele provide about Babylonian culture?

The stele reveals much about Babylonian society, including their advanced legal system, emphasis on agriculture, and the king's role in maintaining order and prosperity.