Question

Read this law from the Code of Hammurabi and think about which parts seem familiar to you. Then answer the question below.

8. If any one steal cattle or sheep, or [a donkey], or a pig or a goat, if it belong to [a temple] or to the court, the thief shall pay [30 times what the animal is worth]; if they belonged to a freed man of the king he shall pay tenfold; if the thief has nothing with which to pay he shall be put to death. 1
In one or two paragraphs, describe at least one important clue that this law provides about life in ancient Babylon. With this clue in mind, also describe how the society you live in is different from or similar to Babylonian society. Support your response with details from the law and examples from everyday life.

Answer 1

You could write your paragraph about the fact that Hammurabi’s code shows evidence of laws. Or the fact that this implies currency or some sort of trade. This also heavily implies a class system which I feel would be easy to write about.