Bias in Hammurabi

In King Hammurabi of Babylon by Marc Van de Mieroop, the author states many of Hammurabi’s accomplishments in order to show why Hammurabi is still remembered now. Hammurabi had a famous throne, which still lives on, such as in his law code. However, Van de Mieroop acknowledges, “we know of his accomplishments exclusively from Hammurabi’s own statements” (10) leading us to realize that some parts in this book may be exaggerated and others may even be false.

Van de Mieroop mentions Hammurabi’s statements “provide only a very partial and biased account, selected tidbits that aimed to portray the king in a positive light.” (10). So far, Hammurabi is portrayed in a positive light as he shown to relieve debt, take care of the temples, excavate irrigation canals, and protect the people from danger. It could be true that Hammurabi accomplished these tasks, but how the people felt about is never known unless an account from the people’s perspective is shown. After finishing certain tasks, Hammurabi proclaimed himself in a way to show he communicated with the gods. He once stated he is “the one who listens to god Shamash” (13). When put in such a high regard with gods, people were forced to have respect for him.

Nevertheless, when reading this text, the audience needs to be wary of what they are taking in and be able to recognize that not everything binded is the truth.