GOVERNMENT & LAW
The geography of Mesopotamia had
a profound impact on the political development of the region. Sumerian people
built the first cities along with irrigation canals which were separated by
vast stretches of open desert or swamp where nomadic tribes roamed.
Communication among the isolated cities was difficult and at times dangerous. Each
Sumerian city became a city-state, independent of the others and protective of
its independence. The political history of Sumer is one of almost constant
warfare. Eventually Sumer was unified by Eanaatun, but the unification was tenuous and failed
to last as the Akkadians conquered Sumeria in 2331 BC.
The
Mesopotamians believed their kings and queens were descended from the City of Gods, but they never believed their kings were
real gods. Most kings named themselves “king of the universe” or “great king”.
Most notable
kings from Mesopotamia Civilizations are Eannatum, Nabuchadnezzar, Sargon, Hammurabi,
Belshedezzar, and many more.
Hammurabi Code is the only law in Mesopotamia civilizations. It is enacted by King Hammurabi, who known as ‘the law maker’. The Hammurabi Code has 282 laws, for example criminal offense, marriage and family, slavery, land use, irrigation, and many more.
These laws are written on pillars of stone, and they were erected throughout the cities. The code reflects a society with a system of strict justice. Some of the punishments are severe and varied. For example, if a person caught stealing, he will be killed.
