1. Early Religion and Government

2. Hammurabi’s Code First written set of laws
Written by the Babylonians of Mesopotamia
Aimed to ensure justice and protect the weak
Treated commoners and nobles differently

3. Hammurabi’s code Read the Hammurabi’s code handout
Be prepared to discuss your feelings about these codes.
Be thinking:
Which of these laws are fair?
Are there any that seem extremely unfair?
Would there be less crime today if Hammurabi’s code was still in effect?

4. Hammurabi’s Code
Although these laws may seem strange and harsh, remember that they helped this early civilization establish the idea that a government should protect its people and that citizens should abide by a clear set of rules. It taught people there were consequences for every wrong action.

5. Religion Early Egyptians and Mesopotamians were polytheistic
Belief in many gods
Their gods had human characteristics, and animal qualities

6. Religious changes
A new group of people came to Egypt because of food shortages due to a severe drought.
They stayed there for hundreds of years, and were made slaves.
The enslaved people of Egypt (known as the Hebrews) began to believe in one almighty God who would free them
Their leader, Moses, led them out of Egypt into Israel.
Moses also presented his people with the “Ten Commandments,” which came straight from God.

7. The Ancient Hebrews
The Israelites (or Hebrews) were the first civilization to believe in one universal God
Monotheism – the belief in one God
This new religion was called Judaism
The “Jews” saw God as invisible, but a powerful spirit who created the world and demanded good conduct from people
This became the basis for several later religions (Christianity, Islam)

8. The Ten Commandments Read over the Ten Commandments Be thinking:
How do these compare to Hammurabi's code
Which body of laws seem more fair?
Are there any you don’t agree with?

9. Quick Write (1 full paragraph)
Which society would you rather live in: a society with Hammurabi's Code, or the Ten Commandments as your main body of laws?
Think about the pro’s and con’s for the one you chose.
Are there any aspect of the other body of laws you would like to add to the set of laws you chose?
Are there any laws not mentioned in either body of laws that you would like to add?