The Ancient Near East begins this discussion by describing The Stele Code of Hammurabi which basically defined a set of rules (or laws) whose enactment was done by the Babylonian King Hammurabi. His reign commenced and ended in the period of 1792-1750 BC. This code of Hammurabi is basically inscribed on a seven-foot basalt stele now found at Louvre. The same is reflected in written material which was translated during the early 20th century (1910-1911) by the then scholars who were in search of a deeper interpretation of the laid down rules and laws. When keenly analyzed, the Code of Hammurabi was used to depict ancient Babylonian laws in written text.
The significance of the stated historical material would be related to legitimization of authority in the laws enacted at the time. This is to introduce a theme of authority legitimization which was crucial in ensuring that the Babylonians led a life with stringent rules and laws. Most importantly, legitimization of authority in Babylon was an eminent symbol that leadership was respected and the political structure of this community was well-founded. Nonetheless, the main point of concern would be determining how The Code of Hammurabi enabled its rulers gain political authority in running the daily affairs of its people.
Historical Background
From an objective point of view, it would be vital to acknowledge the fact that The Stele Code of Hammurabi - as depicted in the seven-foot stele made of black diorite found in Paris - was a clear illustration that the Babylonians believed in the rule of law. The lawlessness that faced Babylon during the early years of the 16th century was reason enough to prompt stamping of authority in political leadership as noted by Pearn, (p128). Essentially, this symbolic art of leadership illustrating the laid down rules and laws of Babylon was crucial in assessing the magnitude of political power among those in authority.
Traditionally, the stele symbol of legitimate authority represented the political power of the reigning king of Hammurabi. Practically, both the symbolic art of legitimate authority in the diorite stature and the written rules and laws which came latter on was strategic enough to ensure that other aspects of ancient lives was in order. This is to state that the social and economic lives of the ancient Babylonians was adequately facilitated by following the laws that were enacted for regulating different political jurisdiction.
Similarities/Differences
On one hand, it would be vital to acknowledge the legitimization of authority in establishing enacted rules and laws which govern the people involved. In essence, the stele was a symbol which showed that the Babylonians were a community of unity and peace which lived under a standard set of rules. On the other hand, Pearn (p129) argues that the Code of Hammurabi interpreted between the years of 1910 and 1911 was an indication that unity of the Babylonians remained intact despite significant change in political times. In simpler terms, the major similarity between the two works showed strength in legitimization of authority in a central environment.
From a different angle, the change in political times introduces a new aspect of authority legitimization. On one hand, symbolizing legitimization of authority in a stele stature was growing in futility as political developments grew. In essence, a point of reference was becoming necessary in dealing with different disputes that arose during the 16th and 17th centuries. It is during these times that some locals felt misjudged following inconsistencies in offering verdicts. On the other hand, The Code of Hammurabi was strategic enough in providing a point of reference when arbitrating social and economic disputes.
The expression drawn from the stele stature of Babylonian authority depicted a strong cultural tie which described the social lives of the ruled and the rulers. For instance, worshiping of idols had some cultural influence on the stele which saw the religious aspect of the Babylonians. On the other hand, The Code of Hammurabi was an indication that keeping tabs of economic progress among the Babylonian people was taking a positive direction. In simpler terms, the ability to interpret the laws and rules in written format would support economic basis of making calculations during trading activities.
When keenly addressed, there are a number of aspects which represent the culture of the Babylonians in different ways. For instance, the stele stature or symbolic art established in the 16th century was an indication that idol worshiping had grown in religious popularity. In order to ensure that the tradition grew to a global scale, a wider religious representation had to be made necessary in form of written material as noted by Abulhab. It was realized that idol worshiping would spread at a faster rate if this material would be taken far and wide across the religious globe. In modern times, finding written material of the Babylonian history is eminent in the interpretation of the then rules and laws.
Modern Influence
When keenly evaluated, the use of symbols in legitimization of power has been traditionally used in many political jurisdiction. For instance, the American judiciary has its symbols erected right at the entrance of its Supreme Court. This is to show that the use of symbols in legitimizing authority or political power is a respected modern practice which adequately facilitated in the rule of law. Rutz and Piotr (p24) argue that the legislative arm of the US federal government has its symbol which is used in all of its official activities.
On the other hand, the American constitution would be directly equated to The Code of Hammurabi as described in this analysis. The constitution, just like The Code of Hammurabi, provides a source of reference for law makers and implementers in resolving disputes that arise from political and social arenas to the economic front. In essence, a sense of consistency in establishing justifiable verdicts in most American federal courts has been the benefit of written material just like The Code of Hammurabi executed its political mandate for the Babylonians. In essence, the fairness of executing rules and laws has promoted a society whose members are law-abiding.
Conclusion
The use of symbols during ancient times carried a strong sense of political, social or even economic significance as seen in the stele used to describe the rule of law in Babylon. The difference in representation of different interests by these symbols only depicted a strong similarity of unity and well political organization as noted by McCluskey, (p333). On the other hand, it would be genuine to state that The Code of Hammurabi was a shift of focus in political developments which would in turn promote the rise of democracy. Artistic works in historically written materials would be attributed to the nature of success in modern political leaderships across the globe.
Works Cited
Abulhab, Saad D. The Law Code of Hammurabi: Transliterated and Literally Translated from its Early Classical Arabic Language. Blautopf Publishing, 2017.
McCluskey, Stephen C. "Cultural Interpretation of Historical Evidence Relating to Astronomy." Handbook of Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy. Springer New York, 2015. 325-339.
Pearn, John. "Hammurabi’s Code: A primary datum in the conjoined professions of medicine and law." Medico-Legal Journal 84.3 (2016): 125-131.
Rutz, Matthew, and Piotr Michalowski. "The Flooding of Ešnunna, the Fall of Mari: Hammurabi's Deeds in Babylonian Literature and History." Journal of Cuneiform Studies 68 (2016): 15-43.
