Early Religion and Government Hammurabis Code First written

Early Religion and Government

Hammurabi’s Code • First written set of laws • Written by the Babylonians of Mesopotamia • Aimed to ensure justice and protect the weak • Treated commoners and nobles differently

Hammurabi’s code • Read the Hammurabi’s code handout • Be prepared to discuss your feelings about these codes. Be thinking: • Which of these laws are fair? • Are there any that seem extremely unfair? • Would there be less crime today if Hammurabi’s code was still in effect?

Hammurabi’s Code Although these laws may seem strange and harsh, remember that they helped this early civilization establish the idea that a government should protect its people and that citizens should abide by a clear set of rules. It taught people there were consequences for every wrong action.

Religion • Early Egyptians and Mesopotamians were polytheistic • Belief in many gods • Their gods had human characteristics, and animal qualities

Religious changes • A new group of people came to Egypt because of food shortages due to a severe drought. • They stayed there for hundreds of years, and were made slaves. • The enslaved people of Egypt (known as the Hebrews) began to believe in one almighty God who would free them • Their leader, Moses, led them out of Egypt into Israel. • Moses also presented his people with the “Ten Commandments, ” which came straight from God.

The Ancient Hebrews • The Israelites (or Hebrews) were the first civilization to believe in one universal God • Monotheism – the belief in one God • This new religion was called Judaism • The “Jews” saw God as invisible, but a powerful spirit who created the world and demanded good conduct from people • This became the basis for several later religions (Christianity, Islam)

The Ten Commandments • Read over the Ten Commandments Be thinking: • How do these compare to Hammurabi's code • Which body of laws seem more fair? • Are there any you don’t agree with?

Quick Write (1 full paragraph) • Which society would you rather live in: a society with Hammurabi's Code, or the Ten Commandments as your main body of laws? • Think about the pro’s and con’s for the one you chose. • Are there any aspect of the other body of laws you would like to add to the set of laws you chose? • Are there any laws not mentioned in either body of laws that you would like to add?