Hammurabi: Conquerer, King, and Law-Giver

Q: Who was Hammurabi?

Hammurabi was an Amorite king of ancient Babylon who conquered and ruled all of Mesopotamia during his reign of 1792-1750 BCE.

Q: What is Hammurabi famous for?

Hammurabi is famous for his law code, written circa 1722 BCE.

Q: Is Hammurabi's Code the oldest law code in the world?

No. The Code of Ur-Nammu (written circa 2100-2050 BCE) is the oldest law code in the world.

Q: How did Hammurabi die?

Hammurabi died of natural causes in 1750 BCE.

Joshua J. Mark

Definition

Hammurabi (reign 1792-1750 BCE) was the sixth king of the Amorite First Dynasty of Babylon, best known for his famous law code, which served as the model for others, including the Mosaic Law of the Bible. He was the first ruler able to successfully govern all of Mesopotamia without revolt following his initial conquest.

More about: Hammurabi

Timeline

1795 BCE - 1750 BCE
Reign of Hammurabi, king of Babylon.
c. 1792 BCE
King Hammurabi builds walls of Babylon.
1787 BCE
Hammurabi of Babylon conquers Uruk and Isin.
c. 1772 BCE
The Code of Hammurabi: One of the earliest codes of law in the world.
c. 1761 BCE
Zimri-Lim, the last ruler of Mari dies for unknown reasons. His former ally, Hammurabi of Babylon, captures the city of Mari.
c. 1760 BCE - c. 1757 BCE
Hammurabi of Babylon destroys the city of Mari. The people of Mari are spared according to Hammurabi.
1755 BCE
Hammurabi rules the whole of Mesopotamia from Babylon.
1750 BCE
Hammurabi dies of natural causes.
1749 BCE
Hammurabi's son, Samsu-Iluna, takes the throne. Empire begins to fall apart.