The Hammurabi Code at The Louvre, Paris

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The Code of Hammurabi is a remarkably preserved Babylonian law code from ancient Mesopotamia, dating back to approximately 1754 BC. This ancient document stands as one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world. The sixth king of Babylon, Hammurabi, enacted this code, and partial copies exist on a human-sized stone stele and various clay tablets. The Code consists of 282 laws, featuring punishments that vary according to social status, with slaves receiving harsher penalties than free men. Nearly half of the Code deals with matters of contract, establishing for instance, the wages paid to an ox driver or a surgeon. Other provisions set out the terms of transactions, determining liability in cases such as a house collapse or damaged property left in another's care. A third of the code addresses household and family relationships, including inheritance, divorce, paternity, and sexual behavior. Only one provision appears to hold officials accountable; this provision fines and removes a judge who makes an incorrect decision permanently. Several provisions address military service-related issues. Archaeologists discovered the code in 1901, and its first translation was published by Jean-Vincent Scheil in 1902. A nearly complete example of the Code is carved into a 2.25-meter-tall diorite stele shaped like an enormous index finger. The Code is inscribed in the Akkadian language using cuneiform script carved into the stele. Currently, it is on display at the Louvre Museum, with exact replicas displayed at the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago, the library of Theological University of Reformed Churches in The Netherlands, the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, and the National Museum of Iran in Tehran. Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons. This object is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory. This community effort aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access. If you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.