Hammurabi's Harshness

King Hammurabi may have been a great leader, but the same cannot be said for the content of his character. Hammurabi lived life as the ruler of Babylon, a person who had complete power and unopposed jurisdiction. So, naturally, he felt the authority to treat others beneath him. Hammurabi expected others to regard him with utmost priority but felt that the same was not required on his part.

One example of this includes Hammurabi’s actions against the people of Mutiabal. Hammurabi planned on tricking them by “offer[ing] to safeguard their harvest and children against an Elamite raid, with the intent, in reality, of holding them hostage” (119). Letters to Mari also indicate that he “’destroyed their houses and burned them down’” (119). Hammurabi was ruthless and showed no compassion for others.

Hammurabi’s wrath was seen between more than just common folk and himself. Even “the diplomats who dealt with him were well aware of his importance and at time humiliated themselves or their masters to gain his favor” (120). Hammurabi was self concentrated. That coupled with his vast amount of power, made life hard for everyone else. He can be seen as the stereotypical ruler who uses his power for his own gain, and not for the betterment of his people or the kingdom.