Babylonian law code

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Babylonian law code" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the legal system or set of laws that were established in ancient Babylon, often in historical or academic contexts. Example: "The Babylonian law code, known as the Code of Hammurabi, is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In developing a theory about the role of language in retribution, Teresa Godwin Phelps takes an interdisciplinary approach, delving into sources from Greek tragedy to Hamlet, from Kant to contemporary theories about retribution, from the Babylonian law codes to the South African Truth and Reconciliation Report.

University of Pennsylvania

Hammurabi is best known for the promulgation of a new code of Babylonian law: the Code of Hammurabi.

Wikipedia

Although earlier Babylonian codes are known, unquestionably the most perfect monument of Babylonian law is the Code of Hammurabi (c. 1758 bc), the main record of which was discovered on a stele, or stone monument, only in 1901 02.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the old Babylonian period, Hammurabi's famous law code was engraved on a tall diorite stela; at its top stands Hammurabi, who saw himself as the "good shepherd," facing the sun god Shamash.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the book he calls this "Hammurabi's Code", a 3,800-year-old Babylonian law that stipulated that if a building collapses and kills someone, the builder should be put to death.

The Guardian - Books

What was the earliest Roman law code?

Britannica

Early Babylonian law developed the principle of lex talionis, which asserted that criminals should receive as punishment precisely those injuries they had inflicted upon their victims.

Britannica

Talion, Latin lex talionis, principle developed in early Babylonian law and present in both biblical and early Roman law that criminals should receive as punishment precisely those injuries and damages they had inflicted upon their victims.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest law code (1016), called the "Russian Law," was one of the "Barbarian" law codes common throughout Germanic Europe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most notably, he issued a seminal law code.

The Guardian - Opinion

The 2.25 m Code of Hammurabi, discovered in 1901, displays Babylonian Laws prominently, so that no man could plead their ignorance.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ancient legal systems, provide context about the specific historical period and the ruler associated with the code, such as Hammurabi. This helps provide a clearer understanding of the "Babylonian law code".

Common error

Do not use the term "Babylonian law code" as a singular, monolithic entity. Recognize that legal practices evolved over time and varied among different Babylonian rulers and periods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Babylonian law code" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English, referring to the legal system or set of laws established in ancient Babylon. It provides context for discussing historical or academic matters related to ancient legal practices.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Babylonian law code" is a grammatically correct and usable term in English, predominantly employed in academic and historical contexts to denote the legal systems of ancient Babylon. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, the phrase's usage is more common in scholarly discussions rather than everyday conversation. Key related terms include "Code of Hammurabi" and "Babylonian legal system". When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide historical context and avoid generalizations about Babylonian legal practices, as they evolved over time. Common sources mentioning the phrase include Encyclopedia Britannica, Wikipedia and The New York Times, highlighting its relevance in both academic and general knowledge domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Code of Hammurabi

Refers to the most famous example of a Babylonian law code.

Hammurabi's legal code

Specifically refers to the legal system under Hammurabi.

Babylonian legal system

Focuses on the broader legal framework of Babylon.

Laws of ancient Babylon

Emphasizes the historical aspect of the laws.

Babylonian jurisprudence

Highlights the legal philosophy and principles.

Legal code of Babylon

General reference to any set of laws from Babylon.

Ancient Babylonian laws

Stresses the age and origin of the laws.

Mesopotamian law code

Broader term including laws from the Mesopotamian region, of which Babylon was a part.

Babylonian statutes

Formal term for the written laws of Babylon.

Early Babylonian law

Highlights the early development stage of Babylonian laws.

FAQs

What is the most famous example of a Babylonian law code?

The most famous example is the "Code of Hammurabi", created during the reign of King Hammurabi in the 18th century BC.

How did the Babylonian law code influence later legal systems?

The "Babylonian law code" established principles such as codified laws, the concept of legal precedent, and punishments tailored to specific crimes, influencing later legal developments in the ancient Near East and beyond.

What were some key features of the Babylonian law code?

Key features included a focus on retribution, social hierarchy, and detailed regulations covering various aspects of life, from commerce to family matters. An example of this can be found at "lex talionis", also known as the law of retaliation.

Where can I find primary sources related to the Babylonian law code?

Primary sources, such as the Code of Hammurabi, can be found in museums like the Louvre and in academic publications that provide translations and analyses of cuneiform texts.