How Did Hammurabi Change Mesopotamian Society
The Babylonian king known as Hammurabi will forever be remembered throughout history for being a diplomat, builder of temples, and a lawgiver, that epitomizes Mesopotamian society. In this paper, multiple aspects of Hammurabi and Babylonian society will be addressed. First, how Hammurabi took an insignificant city-state and through a series of wars with neighboring kingdoms, made it into a powerful empire which would control all of Mesopotamia. Second, how he realized that his empire needed control and order since it was so diverse that he formed a set of laws which would prove to the gods and people that he was doing his job to uphold justice and also to inform citizens of their rights. Evidence suggests that its purpose may also have been
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Hammurabi became king of Babylon during this time when it was still disregarded as an insignificant society. In order to develop and amplify Babylon 's power, Hammurabi was left no choice but to become allies with the powerful king of Ashur. He then conceded to letting king Ashur defeat nearby cities. Along with many rulers and kings in this time, Hammurabi had many secret allies in the other rival cities that kept him in the loop of any substantial changes or developments with his alliances or enemies (Lockard 37). He was aware of any troop movements when they occurred and could tell precisely if and when enemies were seeking to invade his domain. This held huge advantages over the neighboring rivals. Hammurabi was confident in his intelligence and as a result, engaged in a long series of wars which would lead to conquering all of southern Mesopotamia and even much of the north to his dominion. He united the Amorite rulers of cities like Sippar and Kish under his rule in Babylon. By uniting most of Mesopotamia Hammurabi was able to increase his military, influence, and economic trade claims. Babylon was then a worthy opponent of neighboring Assyria and Elam. Eventually, he looked to confront his former ally king Ashur, which was the strongest power in the region. He was successful with this objective as
Hammurabi became king of Babylon during this time when it was still disregarded as an insignificant society. In order to develop and amplify Babylon 's power, Hammurabi was left no choice but to become allies with the powerful king of Ashur. He then conceded to letting king Ashur defeat nearby cities. Along with many rulers and kings in this time, Hammurabi had many secret allies in the other rival cities that kept him in the loop of any substantial changes or developments with his alliances or enemies (Lockard 37). He was aware of any troop movements when they occurred and could tell precisely if and when enemies were seeking to invade his domain. This held huge advantages over the neighboring rivals. Hammurabi was confident in his intelligence and as a result, engaged in a long series of wars which would lead to conquering all of southern Mesopotamia and even much of the north to his dominion. He united the Amorite rulers of cities like Sippar and Kish under his rule in Babylon. By uniting most of Mesopotamia Hammurabi was able to increase his military, influence, and economic trade claims. Babylon was then a worthy opponent of neighboring Assyria and Elam. Eventually, he looked to confront his former ally king Ashur, which was the strongest power in the region. He was successful with this objective as