Historical Documents
THANKS, HAMMURABI
Bell Ringer:
WWHD? (What Would Hammurabi Do?)
For each of the following scenarios,
write down the most just punishment
for the crime.
Code 2:
If a builder builds a house for a man and does
not make its construction sound, and the
house which he has built collapses and causes
the death of the owner of the house, the
builder shall be put to death.
1. What should be done to the carpenter who
builds a house that falls and kills the owner?
Code 143:
If the woman has not been careful but has
gadded about, neglecting her house and
belittling her husband, they shall throw that
woman into the water.
2. What should be done about a wife who
ignores her duties and belittles her husband?
Code 47:
He will pay his neighbor the amount of
corn that was lost.
3. What happens if a farmer's irrigations system
causes his neighbor to lose his crop?
Code 185:
If a man takes in his own home a young boy as
a son and rears him, one may not bring claim
for that adopted son.
4. What should be done if a son is adopted and
then the birth-parents want him back?
Code 117:
If a man be in debt and is unable to pay his
creditors, he shall sell his wife, son, or daughter, or
bind them over to service. For three years they
shall work in the houses of their purchaser or
master; in the fourth year they shall be given their
freedom.
5. What happens if a man is unable to pay
his debts?
Code 195:
If a son strikes his father, they shall cut off
his hand.
6. What should happen to a boy who slaps
his father?
Code 118:
The accuser will be put to death.
7. What happens if a man accuses someone of
murder and it is not proved?
Code 3:
If any one bring an accusation against a man, and the
accused go to the river and leap into the river, if he sink in
the river his accuser shall take possession of his house. But if
the river prove that the accused is not guilty, and he
escape unhurt, then he who had brought the accusation
shall be put to death, while he who leaped into the river
shall take possession of the house that had belonged to
his accuser.
8. How is the truth determined when one
man brings an accusation against another?
Code of Hammurabi
Date
1780 BCE
Significance
Origin City of Babylon in Mesopotamia
• As Hams’ empire grew, a uniform legal
code was needed
• One of the oldest examples of established
written laws
• 282 laws inscribed on stone pillar
• Model for “rule of law”—the idea that no
one is above the law
Magna Carta
Date
1215
Significance
Origin England
• First attempt to limit the king’s power
• Key Ideas: due process, freedom of
movement, taxation only with legislative
consent
• King John agreed to limits on power
• Document did NOT protect the common
people
English Bill of Rights
Date
1689
Significance
Origin England (Glorious Revolution!)
• Product of the Glorious Revolution
that brought William and Mary to
the throne
• Established a true limited
government
• Increased protection from the king
Mayflower Compact
Date
1620
Significance
Origin Mayflower
• Needed a temporary government between
the passengers on board the Mayflower
• Written agreement
• Established self-government to serve
their interests
Virginia Declaration of Rights
Date
June 1776
Significance
Origin Virginia
• Opening paragraphs of the Declaration of
Independence!
• Key Ideas
• Men are “free and equal”
• Natural rights
• Right to abolish “inadequate”
government
Declaration of Independence
Date
July 4, 1776
Significance
Origin 13 Colonies – Continental Congress
• Established Popular Sovereignty
• Government rule by the people
• Right to revolt against a government that
no longer guaranteed natural rights
• Ideals of life, liberty and equality
Articles of Confederation
Date
November 15, 1777
Significance
Origin 13 Colonies…soon to change
• Each state held sovereignty, freedom and
independence
• “Firm league of friendship"
• Creates need for stronger central
government