Hammurabi Code Essay

An anthropologist is somebody who studies culture and uses artifacts. The Babylonians where an advanced culture who created their own code of laws. This code of laws is called Hammurabi's code. This code of laws was created four thousand years ago and regulated many aspects of Babylonian life. An anthropologist might use Hammurabi's code as an artifact to study Babylonian society. Hammurabi's code is a valuable source for an anthropologist because it explains the economy, government, and religion of the Babylonians.

An anthropologist could read through Hammurabi's code and quickly see that the Babylonians had an efficient economy. In section 8 it refers to the Babylonians raising many domestic animals such as ox, sheep, donkeys and pigs. Leading us to believe that they were skilled at raising livestock. In section 215-217 it mentions a bronze lancet. This indicates he had some form of tools. A lancet was a medical tool that they used to operate on people and they were skilled enough to expect success. Section 218 mentions a surgeon. This would demonstrate that they had many jobs. These elements shown in Hammurabi's code would help an anthropologist studying Babylonian culture by showing them the

Babylonians had a functioning economy.

An anthropologist could use Hammurabi's code to see that the Babylonians also had their own system of government.

Section 3 mentions the Babylonians holding trials held by judges. This shows that they had their own form of judicial system. In section 195 we read about the punishments that were given for breaking rules or laws. In Hammurabi's code there are many punishments for all types of crimes. For example if you stole from a temple you would be killed. If a son hits his father he will have his hands cut off. If a woman is planning to kill her husband she will be impaled. Section 26 mentions officers and common soldiers going into war. This information would be useful to an anthropologist if they wanted to study the military, judicial, or law system of the

Babylonians.

An anthropologist reading Hammurabi's code would see that the Babylonians practiced their own religion. Section 2 mentions a sacred river with supernatural powers. The Babylonians thought that the river would determine if a person is guilty or innocent. This reveals that they believed that nature had magical powers. In section 110 it mentions a sister of God. These women must have worked a religious job in the culture. Section 8 mentions a temple were people would pray and leave goods such as food or animals. These pieces of evidence would help an anthropologist if they had an interest in the religion practiced by the Babylonians.

Studying Hammurabi's code could reveal menu interesting things about the Babylonians. First, it could explain the Babylonians economy and why they had certain animals, jobs, and tools. Second, it could explain the Babylonians system of government. It shows the judicial and military system and the punishments for crimes. Lastly the code could help and anthropologist by showing then what the Babylonians religious beliefs were. This code regulated many aspects of Babylonian life, therefore it is a very useful source for an anthropologist studying the Babylonian culture.