Breaking Down the King

In Marc Van De Mieroop’s King Hammurabi of Babylon, chapters 9 and 10 are respectively entitled “Hammurabi’s Character” and “Hammurabi’s Legacy”. Van De Mieroop writes the second of the two chapters in a way that sheds a very positive light on the Babylonian king. In Chapter 9 the author does admit that there is not much evidence to discern how Hammurabi led his life outside of the kingly sphere however. Van De Mieroop recounts how Hammurabi thought of himself as more important than his other allies, as he would often demand troops from his allies and keep the troops they sent him longer than they wished to use at his disposal. Van De Mieroop rightly states that “no one equaled Hammurabi in power, and proper respect was his due” (120) as messengers, such as Ishme-Dagan’s, showed him the highest reverence. From the attitude of envoys, and through Hammurabi’s martial successes, it is safe to conclude that Van De Mieroop sums up the king’s public character correctly.

In regards to Hammurabi’s legacy, Van De Mieroop speaks very highly of everything the king accomplished. On the subject of the code of Hammurabi, Van De Mieroop writes, “the king was a man of justice, the shining example of a just ruler to be remembered for eternity” (122). The author regards Hammurabi’s law code as a magnificent achievement, and I would agree that it is quite significant deed, the idea of immortalizing ones’ self through a set of decrees does not amaze me. I found it interesting that while Hammurabi was renowned throughout the ancient world, he was forgotten until the 19^th and 20^th centuries when archaeological exploration unearthed various artifacts. I also think it is remarkable that Hammurabi has retained his fame through the last century or so, and because of the tone of his law code, is remembered as an all-powerful ruler.