Activity Overview
After students learn about Hammurabi’s Code, they can develop their own code of laws! Teachers can give examples about what their code would be, allow students to brainstorm, and then write up their code on the template using images from the creator to enhance their poster.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Write your own code of laws!
Student Instructions:
- Write a code of laws in an “if, then” format like Hammurabi’s code.
- Add appropriate words and images to enhance your poster. To find images related to ancient Mesopotamia, type “Mesopotamia” into the search bar.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RH/9-10/3] Analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them.
- [ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/1] Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
- [ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/7] Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
- [ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/9] Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
- [ELA-LITERACY/WHST/6-8/2/B] Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.
How To Examine the Hammurabi’s Code from Ancient Mesopotamia
Give Context and Introduction
To begin, give a succinct synopsis of Ancient Mesopotamia while highlighting the importance of Hammurabi's Code. Talk about the era, Mesopotamia's location, and the main achievements of Babylonian culture. This will also reinforce all the concepts related to the Ancient Mesopotamian civilization.
Describe and Read the Code
Describe how the Hammurabi Code is among the oldest and most comprehensive written law systems ever discovered. Stress how it governs Babylon's social and economic life and advances justice. Teachers can show students all the 282 codes present and as an activity ask them to interpret the meaning of the code and their own opinion on the law.
Research Influences and Impacts
Ask the students to research why the king came up with these codes and laws and how he came up with these laws. Students can also analyze how these laws shaped and impacted society at that time. For instance, when laws against criminal activities were introduced, did the criminal activities decrease or was there any change in the daily functioning of the society after these laws?
Compare With Modern Codes
After students are more familiar with Hammurabi’s code, ask them to compare this code of law with modern laws and codes. Students can select specific topics and laws they want to compare. For instance, some students can compare laws for theft or crimes, others can look for laws regarding house and property. In this way, students will be able to find out more details and conduct an interesting discussion.
Conclude and Reflect
Conduct a reflection session to wrap up the discussion. Students should be asked to list their main conclusions, talk about any shifts in their viewpoints, and reflect on the long-term effects of Hammurabi's Code on legal systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hammurabi’s Code and Creating Your Own Code Activity
What are the main characteristics of the Hammurabi Code?
Important characteristics include the application of the "eye for an eye" concept (lex talionis), the grading of penalties according to social status, and laws pertaining to property rights, trade, and marriage. Students can also use this basic idea as a foundation to build their own code.
What other lessons from Hammurabi's Code might students apply to their own work?
Students should be prompted to consider the ideas of justice, equity, and social order found in Hammurabi's Code. They might think through the possible ramifications of their regulations and utilize these insights to create their own guidelines. Students can create various sets of rules while keeping these ideas in mind for instance, “Workplace Rules” or “Classroom Rules”.
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