Introduction

The ancient Babylonians conquered the Sumerians.  They adopted many of the practices and customs of the Sumerians.  One of the most well known leaders of the Babylonians was Hammurabi.  He was known for the laws he created .  The saying "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" comes from his laws.  Basically, this principal means that if you commit a crime or wrong against another person, the same crime will be done to you as your punishment.

Activity

Find out more about Hammurabi by using the following website: You be the Judge on Hammurabi's Code
Then, answer the following questions in your journal using complete sentences.

1.  Who was Hammurabi and when did he live?

2.  Hammurabi's laws were not the first, so why were they so important?

3.  How many laws were contained in Hammurabi's code?
 

Go to the link called Solve Some Problems that Hammurabi Faced.
Read over the 8 different situations.

4.  Which law and punishment seems very harsh or cruel?  Why?

5.  Which law seems to be fair?  Why?
 

Bonus

Scroll through some of Hammurabi's other laws:  Hammurabi's Code

* Find an example of a law that shows the idea of "an eye for an eye".  Write it down and explain it.

*  What are some ways punishments were different  among the social classes?