HAmmurapi was a clever and cunning power politician who ruled as King of Babylon in the 18th century BC for more than 40 years. Under his leadership, his small kingdom south of Baghdad on the Euphrates River rose to become a major power that governs most of the Middle East.
The descendants of the ancient East believed that Hammurabi was one of the greatest kings, until the cuneiform culture declined at the turn of the times, not only because of his extensive conquests, but also because he won the smartest with his collection of “laws.” reputation. The “Declaration” is called the “Hammurabi Code” and has gained the sense of justice from all rulers, who do justice to all, including the poor and the weak.
In many primitive cuneiform materials, in the letters and documents we received, we can recognize a ruler of Hammurabi, who took care of the legal affairs of his subjects to the smallest details. The Babylonian theme of the righteous king continues in the biblical tradition of “wise Solomon”. (Stephen Moore)
Professor Stefan Maul explained
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Cuneiform
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Video: FAZ, Picture: Daniel Blum
What does the name “Hammurapi” (or “Hammurabi”) mean?
Stephen Moore: The name Hammurapi is not a Babylonian name, but a West Semitic name, meaning “the god Hammu is a healer”. “Hamm” is actually the name of his uncle. The deity called “Hammu” was given the ability to take care of his disciples, just like an uncle takes care of a nephew. Hammurabi’s ancestors came from the Syrian-Palestinian region, so like Hammurabi’s successors, he has the Western Semitic name.
What script was used in the era of Hammurabi? Who rules this?
In the era of Hammurabi, in the 18th century BC, the Middle East used reed pens to write on slabs made of clay that were still malleable. Because the impression produced is wedge-shaped, some people say cuneiform writing. In the centuries before Hammurabi, the rather complicated cuneiform writing system that appeared at the end of the fourth millennium BC has developed into a script that manages less than a hundred characters, so it is easy to learn and read.
Can Hammurabi write his name?
We don’t have any documents to say with certainty that Hammurabi wrote it himself. But we know of hundreds of letters written in his name, which also mentioned Hammurabi’s request to access certain documents. So it is almost certain that he can read and therefore may write.
In which calendar did Hammurabi himself live? What is it based on?
In the era of Hammurabi, it was customary to give each year a name and quote the previous years accordingly. They firmly believe that they live in a high-level urban culture with thousands of years of history.
Hamurapi and its era
What is Hammurabi’s worldview and what religion does he believe in?
