{"type":"default","seo":{"title":"Code of Hammurabi Activity & Lesson Plan Resources | HMH","description":"Download these Code of Hammurabi activity and lesson plan resources to teach students the context surrounding the creation of the code of laws.","headercode":"","ogtitle":"Teaching World History: Hammurabi's Code of Laws—Activities and Resources","ogdescription":"Download these resources to teach students the context surrounding the creation of the code of laws.","ogimage":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/int-hmhco-vmg-craftcms-public/seo/HMH_WorldMap.jpg","seosettings":{"noIndexNoFollow":false,"showGtm":true},"keywords":"","canonical":""},"redirect":[],"entrysettings":{"includeinsearch":true,"showglobalmessaging":true},"globalsettings":{"standardheader":true,"standardfooter":true},"url":"/blog/world-history-hammurabi-activities","id":75120,"title":"Teaching World History: Code of Hammurabi Activity and Lesson Plan","slug":"world-history-hammurabi-activities","bodycontainer":[{"type":"copy","headline":null,"richtext":"
This blog and the accompanying resource are part of a Shaped series providing teachers for Grades 6–12 with downloadable world history classroom resources and discussion topics.
\"An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.\"
These words are a commonly noted paraphrase deriving from the Code of Hammurabi, who was the Babylonian king from 1792 to 1750 BC. According to the History Channel, Hammurabi's Code of Laws became \"one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes.\" His collection of 282 rules, carved onto a finger-shaped black stone pillar, listed punishments and fines for crimes—for the people in the Babylonian Empire.
Punishments in the Babylonian Empire were largely based on social status. The now famous \"eye for an eye\" phrase refers to the concept that if one person injures another of the same social class, the assailant should receive a punishment of a similar nature. The implications would be less severe if a wealthy individual attacked a commoner, for instance, and more severe in the reverse scenario.
But the importance of Hammurabi's Code extends beyond just that one phrase—it also helped shape, to varying degrees, future legal systems and precedents worldwide. When teaching students about this topic, try having them look at the Code of Hammurabi activity below, which includes a timeline with a supplemental enrichment activity (available for download as a PDF) on the rise of the Babylonian Empire in Mesopotamia. Then, distribute the accompanying resources: a passage from Hammurabi's Code (primary source enrichment activity) and a related writing enrichment activity.
We hope you find the resources above useful in teaching students the story of Hammurabi’s Code of Laws and why it matters. The code offers insight into the history of law and social justice and is a topic that remains relevant in the social studies classroom to this day.
***
Learn more about HMH Social Studies, which presents the rich, endlessly inventive story of our world, challenging students to dig deep into the past.
Read more blogs about teaching world history on topics including:
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Download our free activities calendar for fun lessons to do with your class, plus engaging ways to commemorate and celebrate events throughout the year.
Download our free activities calendar for fun lessons to do with your class, plus engaging ways to commemorate and celebrate events throughout the year.
Get our free administrator’s guide to building a positive school culture, filled with practical advice, real-world examples, and resources for further exploration.
Download our free activities calendar for fun lessons to do with your class, plus engaging ways to commemorate and celebrate events throughout the year.
Get our free administrator’s guide to building a positive school culture, filled with practical advice, real-world examples, and resources for further exploration.
This blog and the accompanying resource are part of a Shaped series providing teachers for Grades 6–12 with downloadable world history classroom resources and discussion topics.
"An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth."
These words are a commonly noted paraphrase deriving from the Code of Hammurabi, who was the Babylonian king from 1792 to 1750 BC. According to the History Channel, Hammurabi's Code of Laws became "one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes." His collection of 282 rules, carved onto a finger-shaped black stone pillar, listed punishments and fines for crimes—for the people in the Babylonian Empire.
Punishments in the Babylonian Empire were largely based on social status. The now famous "eye for an eye" phrase refers to the concept that if one person injures another of the same social class, the assailant should receive a punishment of a similar nature. The implications would be less severe if a wealthy individual attacked a commoner, for instance, and more severe in the reverse scenario.
But the importance of Hammurabi's Code extends beyond just that one phrase—it also helped shape, to varying degrees, future legal systems and precedents worldwide. When teaching students about this topic, try having them look at the Code of Hammurabi activity below, which includes a timeline with a supplemental enrichment activity (available for download as a PDF) on the rise of the Babylonian Empire in Mesopotamia. Then, distribute the accompanying resources: a passage from Hammurabi's Code (primary source enrichment activity) and a related writing enrichment activity.
We hope you find the resources above useful in teaching students the story of Hammurabi’s Code of Laws and why it matters. The code offers insight into the history of law and social justice and is a topic that remains relevant in the social studies classroom to this day.
***
Learn more about HMH Social Studies, which presents the rich, endlessly inventive story of our world, challenging students to dig deep into the past.
Read more blogs about teaching world history on topics including:
