3The Code of Hammurabi

The Code of Hammurabi, one of the oldest and most important written legal codes in history, is a must-see for history enthusiasts. This Babylonian artifact, dating back to around 1754 BC, is a black stone pillar inscribed with the laws established by King Hammurabi. The top of the pillar depicts Hammurabi receiving the laws from the sun god Shamash, while the rest contains the detailed code, touching on topics from family life to trade and property rights. The significance of this artifact extends beyond art; it represents one of the earliest foundations of legal systems.