Ancient Mesopotamia for Kids - Hammurabi's Code

Hammurabi was an ancient Babylonian king. He did something that no one had ever done before. The Sumerians had created the first written language, cuneiform. Using this written language, Hammurabi created the first written set of laws.

In Hammurabi's court, it did not matter if you were rich or poor. If you broke the law, and were found guilty, you would be punished.

Since the laws were clearly written down, everyone was expected to obey them.