Hammurabi, the sixth king of Babylon, ruled over ancient Mesopotamia from 1792 to 1750 BC. He is famous for his legal code, which is one of the oldest written legal systems in history. This code, known as the Code of Hammurabi, consisted of 282 laws that covered various aspects of life, including commerce, property, and family. Hammurabi’s quotes from this code provide us with valuable insights into the society and culture of ancient Mesopotamia.
One of Hammurabi’s famous quotes from his code is, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” This quote reflects the principle of proportionality in punishment, where the punishment should match the crime committed. Another notable quote is, “If a builder builds a house for someone and does not construct it properly, and the house that he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death.” This quote highlights the importance of accountability and responsibility in construction projects.
Hammurabi’s code also addressed the rights and responsibilities of women. A quote from the code states, “If a man brings an accusation against another accusing him of laying a spell upon him, but has not proved it, the accused shall go to the sacred river, he shall plunge into the sacred river, and if the sacred river shall conquer him, he that accused him shall take possession of his house.” This quote demonstrates the belief in supernatural powers and the role of women as protectors against evil spirits.
Read these Hammurabi Quotes
“When the gods Anu and Enlil entrusted me with the rule of all mankind, to bring about the well-being of the people, I established truth and justice as the foundation of my throne.”
“If a judge pronounces judgment, renders a decision, delivers a verdict duly signed and sealed, and afterward alters his judgment, they shall call that judge to account for the alteration of the judgment which he has altered.”
“If a man bears false witness in a case, or does not establish the testimony that he has given, if that case is a case involving life, that man shall be put to death.”
“If a man has accused another of laying a spell upon him, but has not proved it, the accused shall go to the sacred river, he shall plunge into the sacred river, and if the sacred river shall conquer him, he that accused him shall take possession of his house.”
“If a judge has pronounced judgment, rendered a decision, delivered a sealed verdict, and afterward alters his judgment, they shall call that judge to account for the alteration of the judgment which he has altered.”
“If a judge pronounces judgment, renders a decision, delivers a sealed verdict, and afterward alters his judgment, they shall call that judge to account for the alteration of the judgment which he has altered.”
“If a man bears false witness in a case, or does not establish the testimony that he has given, if that case is a case involving life, that man shall be put to death.”
“If a man has accused another of laying a spell upon him, but has not proved it, the accused shall go to the sacred river, he shall plunge into the sacred river, and if the sacred river shall conquer him, he that accused him shall take possession of his house.”
“When Marduk sent me to rule over men, to give the protection of right to the land, I did right and righteousness in . . . , and brought about the well-being of the oppressed.”
“If a surgeon has operated with a bronze lancet on a lord for a serious injury, and has caused the lord’s death, or has opened an abscess (in the eye socket) of a lord with a bronze lancet, and has caused the loss of his eye, one shall cut off his hands.”
“If a physician has treated a man with a lancet of bronze, or has caused a man to lose his eye, they shall cut off his hands.”
“If a judge pronounces judgment, renders a decision, delivers a sealed verdict, and afterward alters his judgment, they shall call that judge to account for the alteration of the judgment which he has altered.”
“If a man bears false witness in a case, or does not establish the testimony that he has given, if that case is a case involving life, that man shall be put to death.”
“If a man has accused another of laying a spell upon him, but has not proved it, the accused shall go to the sacred river, he shall plunge into the sacred river, and if the sacred river shall conquer him, he that accused him shall take possession of his house.”
“When Marduk sent me to rule over men, to give the protection of right to the land, I did right and righteousness in . . . , and brought about the well-being of the oppressed.”
“If a surgeon has operated with a bronze lancet on a lord for a serious injury, and has caused the lord’s death, or has opened an abscess (in the eye socket) of a lord with a bronze lancet, and has caused the loss of his eye, one shall cut off his hands.”
“If a physician has treated a man with a lancet of bronze, or has caused a man to lose his eye, they shall cut off his hands.”
“If a judge pronounces judgment, renders a decision, delivers a sealed verdict, and afterward alters his judgment, they shall call that judge to account for the alteration of the judgment which he has altered.”
“If a man bears false witness in a case, or does not establish the testimony that he has given, if that case is a case involving life, that man shall be put to death.”
“If a man has accused another of laying a spell upon him, but has not proved it, the accused shall go to the sacred river, he shall plunge into the sacred river, and if the sacred river shall conquer him, he that accused him shall take possession of his house.”
These Hammurabi quotes give us a glimpse into the wisdom and justice of ancient Mesopotamia. They reflect the values and principles that governed the society during Hammurabi’s reign. Studying these quotes helps us understand the historical and cultural context of ancient civilizations and appreciate the development of legal systems throughout history.
