Introduction In your high school history course, you probably learned about the first legal code, Hammurabi’s Code. I know I did. But in this article, I’ll display that that history class was wrong. Although Hammurabi’s code was one of the most influential written legal codes it’s not even close to the first. It’s not even the second! That true first legal code is the code of Ur-Namma. This article will look at the Ur-Nammu, his code, and its significance.
You are correct that Hammurabi's code was discovered first (Hammurabi's code was discovered in 1901 while the code of Ur Nammu wasn't discovered until 1952). Also because Hammurabi's code is more recent it is better attested so although the Steele containing Hammurabi's code wasn't discovered until 1901, the existence of the code was found in 1854 when archeologists found clay tablets discussing a unified system of laws in Tell Sifr. (https://teachers.plea.org/newsletter/2017/the-plea-hammurabis-code/36.2-3)
I guess the code of Hammurabi was discovered first? Or translated first? This is interesting. Thanks!
You are correct that Hammurabi's code was discovered first (Hammurabi's code was discovered in 1901 while the code of Ur Nammu wasn't discovered until 1952). Also because Hammurabi's code is more recent it is better attested so although the Steele containing Hammurabi's code wasn't discovered until 1901, the existence of the code was found in 1854 when archeologists found clay tablets discussing a unified system of laws in Tell Sifr. (https://teachers.plea.org/newsletter/2017/the-plea-hammurabis-code/36.2-3)