Mesopotamian Society

Hammurabi seemed to be a born leader; he claimed many city-states and ruled the town's people with fair but strict control. He in fact was a ruler of the Babylonian, as well as being responsible for restoring the order and justice for the people of Mesopotamia. He also had a code that consisted of 282 laws that governed over family, crime, and more. The belief of "an eye for an eye" had been used to apply to people who commit crimes against other members in the same unit and even people in the lower class who committed crimes against a high class noble. For example, if a man shoots another man than he shall receive the same punishment. An offense against upper class was punished with more severity than the same offense against member of a lower class. Members of the upper class who committed offense against their own would result in social equality, with little or no punishment at all. His codes were fair and down to the point; so basically do unto others as others will do unto you. One could tell that his people respected his codes and understood that they had to follow these codes in order to have peace in their towns.

Although the women were important in this culture they had very little rights. If she found out and had proof of her husband committing adultery, she can receive the dowry back. They also had the right to choose which son could receive the inheritance along with keeping the belongings of her deceased husband. Perhaps most importantly, women were held in high-esteem for being mothers to Mesopotamian children, and for taking care of household chores. Basically to fully understand the social and family structure of Mesopotamia, it is important to clearly define the female gender role as it was in Mesopotamia.