The Code Of Hammurabi Analysis

Through ancient writings and laws, we get insight into the sociological functions of the society the piece originated from. According to Ways of The World, “Access to ancient peoples’ early written records allows us some insight in their own words”. The Code of Hammurabi, as a set of laws and punishments for breaking them, reflects the views and social hierarchy of a region located near modern-day Iran, called Mesopotamia. These written laws give us a glimpse into what life in the Babylonian Empire might have been life. Through the Code of Hammurabi, it can be observed that in their social hierarchy, women were placed above slaves due to women, specifically women with children, have rights to land and property. However, until a woman has children, she has limited rights in comparison to one with children.
In the hierarchy of powers and privileges in ancient Mesopotamia, slaves could be placed at the very bottom of their social structure as they were viewed as assets rather …show more content…
In interpreting and comparing the written laws of this society, we can get an idea as to their morals and their social hierarchy. The society valued married women over childless women and gave them more rights such as land and monetary payments from their former spouses. Below women on the social hierarchy of Mesopotamia is slaves who are not entitled to any rights. They were not seen as citizens and in most cases held the same value as their owner’s property. A deeper look into these laws reveals that this society was complex and followed strict rules and guidelines. Everyone in the society knew their role and how they should behave as well as the repercussions for violating laws. This society provides an example of order and structure in a society. Modern societies reflect a similar convention in that, in their verbiage, they give power to certain groups and take away from