Women In The Code Of Hammurabi

The Code of Hammurabi clearly shows that men’s roles and rights were greater than a women’s. The roles of women in the Mesopotamia society were strictly defined. A wife was purchased from their father and was required to sign a contract with her husband. In reading Hammurabi’s Code, it is evident to me that a man could have several wives but a women could only be with one man. If she was caught with another, she and the man faced severe punishment. If a women decided she would like a divorce and disgraced her husband in public she would be convicted. If the husband decided to divorce his wife he must declare his intention and if not; then the wife would become a slave to his household. A man in the Mesopotamia society had control over
finances and wealth of his family. The wife’s dowry and her actions were controlled by her husband. She was only allowed to become an innkeeper to sell beer. A man might choose to give his wife or children to settle a debt. Their service was required for three years.
The Code of Hammurabi showed a division between classes. Noblemen were considered greater than commoners; if a crime was committed against a nobleman the punishment was severe. If the same crime was committed against a commoner the punishment was less severe. If a crime was committed by nobleman against another nobleman then punishment was severe.
The Code of Hammurabi clearly defines the roles of men, women, noblemen and commoners. He established our first legal system and in doing so defined social order within families.