The Two Kings

Marc Van De Mieroop sheds light on the workings of Babylon under King Hammurabi’s rule in the first three chapters of his book King Hammurabi of Babylon. In particular Van De Mieroop relates how Hammurabi aspired to be seen as a benevolent king to his people. In the first chapter he mentions that Hammurabi canceled debts, honored the gods, and protected his people in order to achieve his goal. Hammurabi is especially proud of the “mighty wall [he] built” (Van De Mieroop 14) to defend the city of Sippar. This instance bears quite a resemblance to one of Gilgamesh’s proudest claims about his own kingdom: the great wall of Uruk.

I found it interesting that when Hammurabi waged war with Rim-Sin, he mentioned in a message to his troops that he “did not attack without the approval of the god”. Specifically he communicated with the gods Shamash and Marduk. Like Gilgamesh seeking Shamash’s help to defeat Humbaba, Hammurabi consulted the gods before a campaign as well.

However, unlike Hammurabi, Gilgamesh was much more concerned with power than appearing a generous ruler. In fact, it was his tyranny which sparked the people of Uruk to appeal to the gods for help, thus setting up The Epic of Gilgamesh. The two kings waged different types of campaigns as well. Gilgamesh conquered mythical creatures, journeyed to the end of the earth in search of immortality, and was accompanied by Enkidu, who was also more than human. Hammurabi fought battles against other powers in the Mesopotamian region, and successfully defeated the armies of Elam and annexed the kingdom of Larsa.

Gilgamesh claims that no one “can rival his kingly standing” (Epic of Gilgamesh I. 45) because of his godly advantages over humans and the fact that he is the goddess Ninsun’s son. On the other hand, Hammurabi asserts that the gods have appointed him King, and that he is under their command.