ANCIENT JUSTICE: HAMMURABI'S CODE AS A PILLAR OF SOCIAL LIFE IN MESOPOTAMIAN SOCIETY

Vany Putri Agustina (Pendidikan Sejarah, Fakultas Pendidikan Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial, IKIP PGRI Wates)
Indina Mushlih Azizah (Pendidikan Sejarah, Fakultas Pendidikan Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial, IKIP PGRI Wates)
Dwi Ary Rahmawati (Pendidikan Sejarah, Fakultas Pendidikan Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial, IKIP PGRI Wates)
Sofia Maya Shagita (Pendidikan Sejarah, Fakultas Pendidikan Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial, IKIP PGRI Wates)

Satmata: Journal of Historical Education Studies
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): October: Satmata: Journal of Historical Education Studies

This article discusses the role of the Code of Hammurabi in regulating the social life of ancient Mesopotamian society. The main focus is on how the Code of Hammurabi functioned not only as a set of written laws but also as an instrument for maintaining social order, reducing conflict, and regulating social relationships. This article uses a literature study method by reviewing books, journals, and historical sources, including the stele and translated texts of the Code of Hammurabi. The results show that this law, which consists of around 282 rules, regulated various aspects of life such as economy, family, and crime. One important principle is lex talionis, meaning punishment should match the wrongdoing. The law was displayed publicly, helping people understand the rules and reduce conflicts. However, its application differed based on social status. In conclusion, the Code of Hammurabi played an important role in organizing society, although its concept of justice was still limited.