Document A: Hammurabi’s Code—Religion (Modified)

The following selection is from the introduction of Hammurabi’s Code. As you read, pay attention to the religion of Babylonia. What did people believe in? Who were their gods?

 

When Anu the Sublime . . . and Bel, the lord of Heaven and earth, who decreed the fate of the land, assigned to Marduk, the over-ruling son of Ea, God of righteousness, power over earthly man, and made him great . . . they called Babylon by his celebrated name, made it great on earth, and founded an everlasting kingdom in it. Then Anu and Bel called by name me, Hammurabi, the exalted prince, who feared God, to bring about the rule of righteousness in the land, to destroy the wicked and the evil-doers; so that the strong should not harm the weak; so that I should rule over the black-headed people like Shamash, and enlighten the land, to further the well-being of mankind. Source: “Code of Hammurabi,” 1780 BCE.