code of hammurabi

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Code of Hammurabi" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to one of the earliest known sets of laws created by the Babylonian king, Hammurabi, in the 18th century BC. For example, "The Code of Hammurabi was one of the earliest known sets of laws that established a system of justice and social order."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Regulations on its production and trade go back to the Code of Hammurabi, circa 1750 B.C.

The New York Times - Books

It was treated as a prominent institution in the Babylonian Code of Hammurabi of about 750 bce.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Code of Hammurabi (18th century bc) in Babylonia provided a punishment of death by drowning for adultery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here, Zycron is out of this world's time but echoes, as the often interrupted narrator explains, ancient earthly history — the Hittites, the Babylonian code of Hammurabi.

The New Yorker

When the Attaway children study the ancient Code of Hammurabi or the breeding of silkworms, they visit the Museum of Natural History or the Japan Society.

The New York Times

The ancient Mesopotamian laws of Eshnunna (c. 1900 bce) and the Code of Hammurabi had a number of articles devoted to slavery, as did the Pentateuch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Since the promulgation of Hammurabi's Code, in ancient Babylon, no advanced society has survived without banks and bankers.

The New Yorker

See Hammurabi, Code of.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Your correspondent remembers first learning about Hammurabi's code of laws from the original "Civilization", way back in 1991.

The Economist

This Kassite Dynasty was to rule Babylon for over 400 years, adopting parts of the Babylonian culture, including Hammurabi's code of laws.

Wikipedia

(According to legend, the Babylonian king Hammurabi received his code of laws from Shamash).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you are writing a fictional narrative, be aware that the laws included within "Code of Hammurabi" are very strict and apply harsh rules. Use it in a way that emphasizes this aspect.

Common error

Avoid portraying the "Code of Hammurabi" solely as a set of harsh punishments. While it does include strict retributive justice, it also contains provisions addressing social order, trade, and family law. Therefore, remember to consider that not all the statements of "Code of Hammurabi" are limited to "eye for an eye" logic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Code of Hammurabi" functions primarily as a noun phrase identifying a specific historical legal document. It is used to name and refer to this ancient Babylonian law code, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

31%

News & Media

31%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Code of Hammurabi" is a grammatically correct and very common proper noun referring to an ancient Babylonian legal code. As analyzed by Ludwig, it functions to name and refer to this historical document, primarily in Encyclopedias and News & Media. While "Code of Hammurabi" includes references to strict, retributive justice, it also offers important insights into trade and family law. Considering the historical context of "Code of Hammurabi" is crucial for proper usage. The phrase is encountered in historical and legal studies, making it a vital term for understanding ancient civilizations and the evolution of law. Related phrases like "Hammurabi's code of laws" offer interchangeable ways to refer to the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hammurabi's code of laws

This alternative uses a possessive form to specify that the code of laws belongs to Hammurabi.

legal code of Hammurabi

This alternative reorders the words while maintaining the core meaning and emphasizing that the code is legal in nature.

Babylonian law code

This phrase focuses on the origin of the legal code, specifying it as Babylonian.

laws of Hammurabi

This is a shortened version that directly refers to the laws promulgated by Hammurabi.

ancient Babylonian laws

This option reverses the order of "Babylonian" and "ancient", still specifying the origin and time period.

Hammurabi's statutes

Using "statutes" provides a slightly more formal and specific term for the laws themselves.

the Hammurabi legal decrees

Using "decrees" emphasizes the authoritative and official nature of the laws.

ancient Mesopotamian law

This broadens the scope to any ancient law in Mesopotamia, with the Code of Hammurabi being a key example.

Babylonian legal system

This phrase refers to the broader system of laws in Babylonia of which the Code of Hammurabi was a part.

early legal precedents

This highlights the Code of Hammurabi's role as a significant early example of legal principles and documentation.

FAQs

What is the significance of the "Code of Hammurabi"?

The "Code of Hammurabi" is significant as one of the earliest known written legal codes, providing insights into ancient Babylonian society, law, and justice. It is a key historical document for understanding the development of legal systems.

What are some key principles found in the "Code of Hammurabi"?

The "Code of Hammurabi" includes principles of retributive justice (such as "an eye for an eye"), as well as regulations concerning trade, family law, and social order. It covers a wide range of legal and social issues.

How does the "Code of Hammurabi" compare to other ancient law codes?

Compared to other ancient law codes, the "Code of Hammurabi" is notable for its comprehensive nature and its emphasis on written law. It is often compared to codes like the Laws of Eshnunna and the Code of Ur-Nammu, which preceded it.

In what contexts might I encounter references to the "Code of Hammurabi"?

You might encounter references to the "Code of Hammurabi" in historical texts, legal studies, discussions of ancient civilizations, and analyses of the evolution of law and justice. It is also often mentioned when discussing the concept of "lex talionis".