Respectable for Many Reasons

It is apparent that the one and only King Hammurabi gained power early in life as he succeeds his father in command. As a warrior, he eventually changed the political outlook of the world and established his very own state that “stretched some 400 kilometers” (viii preface). Hammurabi seemed to have the trust of his people and much influence over them in all of his complex conquests. Unlike what we were used to in The Epic of Gilgamesh, King Hammurabi is a man of peace and wisdom, who seems to focus most on gaining agricultural control because production depended very heavily on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The first thing I think about is the production of barley and wool in the Liverani reading because it was so crucial to the economy. Hammurabi strikes me as a very calm, clever leader, who thinks before he acts. Hammurabi also seems to understand what needs to be accomplished and succeeds in all his endeavors, which gains the trust of his people and fellow companions.

Another aspect of Hammurabi’s life that makes him respectable is that he is very involved in the community, especially that of the military. Gilgamesh is unsuccessful because he is a selfish leader who only cares about gaining fame and recognition. Hammurabi remains focused on the task at hand and centralizes his thoughts on improving the “internal development of his kingdom.” He always attempts to make his kingdom a better place and is seen as an overall good leader. According to the biography by Marc Van De Mieroop, “the ruling family of Upper Mesopotamia saw Hammurabi as a useful ally, but not as an equal” (Mieroop, 9).