Hammurabi's Code
... that could balance the social structure of Mesopotamia. It is fascinating that someone was able to come up with such a refined list of laws that covered such broad topics as: crime and punishment, inheritance, marital relations, fair treatment towards women and slaves, and many other topics which would seem far too boundless to try to condense into one set of unified laws. Even more impressive is that, not only are so many possible scenarios laid out in the Code of Hammurabi, but also explained in detail within the code is what is considered an adequate and fair resolution. While the Code of Hammurabi can be seen as an idea way ahead of its time, there were several pitfalls within the code that detract from its impressive feats. The purpose of the code is to instill order and balance between the Babylonian civilization, despite the varied social cl...