Hammurabi of Babylon

Hammurabi of Babylon, renowned for his Code of Laws, stands out as one of antiquity's most influential rulers. His 282 legal injunctions, inscribed on a stele and allegedly divinely granted by the god Marduk, pioneered a new approach to lawmaking in Mesopotamia around 1792-1750 BCE. This codex, publicly displayed for all citizens to read, offers fascinating parallels with the biblical Ten Commandments and remains influential today. Beyond his legal legacy, Hammurabi transformed Babylon from a minor kingdom into a regional superpower through unparalleled geopolitical and military strategies, dominating Mesopotamia's fertile plain. Dominique Charpin, a distinguished scholar of ancient Babylon, provides a fresh appraisal of this iconic figure, highlighting his pivotal role in the history of civilization.

Charpin, D. (2012). Hammurabi of Babylon. https://doi.org/10.5040/9780755625727