Law and Government

Religion played a huge role in government. People believed that they were ruled by the gods and goddess that they imagined in the sky. This is called a theocracy. According to them, their king was given his power from these divine rulers and that he only followed the gods’ orders. Some kings even claimed to be gods themselves.

A key component in Mesopotamian law is Hammurabi’s Code. King Hammurabi ruled from 1792 B.C. to 1750 B.C. This code was carved into a 8 foot tall rock and put out for the public to see. On the top of it, it shows King Hammurabi standing next to Shamash, the god of justice, who hands the king the rod and the ring (which represent kingship and divine justice). Then, the laws themselves are presented. In total, there are 281 laws. (Most sources say 282, but because 13 was considered an unlucky number, there is no 13th law).  These rules were harsh and utterly severe. They follow the principle of an "eye for an eye" (not literally). A boy who slapped his father would have his hand cut off. A sister of god who went into a wine shop would be burned to death. A carpenter who built a house that falls down on the owner would be put to death. These are only a few examples to express the degree of punishment. Below this section it explains that the gods have made Hammurabi ruler and that he has placed the rules in public places to serve as proof of Hammurabi’s fair rule; to bring solace to anyone seeking justice, and to teach future rulers of righteousness. It could be said that it worked and that we follow similar rules today, although not to the same level of seriousness.

Hammurabi's Code