HAMMURABI

(1792 BC to 1750 BC) was the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty, reigning from. During his reign, he conquered the city-states of Elam, Larsa, Eshnunna, and Mari. Bringing almost all of Mesopotamia under Babylonian rule. Hammurabi is best known for having issued the Code of Hammurabi. The Law of Hammurabi was one of the first law codes to place greater emphasis on the physical punishment of the perpetrator. It prescribed specific penalties for each crime and is among the first codes to establish the presumption of innocence. Although its penalties are extremely harsh by modern standards, they were intended to limit what a wronged person was permitted to do in retribution. Hammurabi was seen by many as a god within his own lifetime. After his death, Hammurabi was revered as a great conqueror. For later Mesopotamians, Hammurabi's reign became the frame of reference for all events occurring in the distant past. He is an important figure in the history of law.