2. What does the prologue to the Code of Hammurabi reveal about the importance of religion and politics in Mesopotamian society? "When Anu the Sublime __ and Bel, the lord of Heaven and earth,who decreed the fate of the land, assigned to Marduk, the over-ruling son of Ea, God of righteousness, power over earthly man, and made him great __ they called Babylon by his celebrated name, made it great on earth and founded an everlasting kingdom in it. Then Anu and Bel called by name me, Hammurabi, the exalted prince, who feared God to bring about the rule of righteousness in the land, to destroy the wicked and the evil-doers; so that the strong should not harm the weak; so that I should rule over the black-headed people like Shamash, and enlighten the land, to further the well-being of mankind." "Gode of Hammurabi", 1780 BCE

The prologue to the Code of Hammurabi reveals a deep intertwining of religion and politics in Mesopotamian society, where the authority of the ruler is directly linked to divine mandate. Several key points demonstrate this:<br /><br />* **Divine Legitimacy of Kingship:** Hammurabi's right to rule is not presented as earned or inherited through human lineage alone. Instead, it is granted by the gods Anu and Bel, who delegate authority to Marduk, who then designates Hammurabi. This divine appointment legitimizes Hammurabi's reign and imbues his laws with a sacred authority. The gods chose him specifically to "bring about the rule of righteousness," implying that the legal code itself is divinely inspired.<br /><br />* **Cosmic Order and the King's Role:** The prologue establishes a connection between the cosmic order maintained by the gods and the earthly order maintained by the king. Just as the gods established Babylon as a powerful kingdom, Hammurabi is tasked with maintaining justice and prosperity within it. This parallel reinforces the idea that the king acts as the gods' representative on earth.<br /><br />* **King as Shepherd of the People:** Hammurabi's responsibility to "enlighten the land" and "further the well-being of mankind" portrays him as a shepherd of his people, echoing a common motif in ancient Near Eastern kingship. This pastoral imagery emphasizes the king's duty to care for his subjects, a duty divinely ordained and essential for maintaining social harmony.<br /><br />* **Religious Justification for Law:** By framing the legal code within this divine context, Hammurabi elevates it beyond mere human pronouncements. The laws are presented not just as his own decrees, but as part of a divinely ordained plan to establish justice and righteousness. This religious justification likely encouraged greater acceptance and adherence to the code among the populace.<br /><br />* **Piety of the King:** Hammurabi is described as "the exalted prince, who feared God." This emphasizes his piety and obedience to the divine will, further strengthening the connection between his authority and religious belief. It suggests that a righteous king, favored by the gods, is essential for a prosperous and just society.<br /><br />In essence, the prologue to the Code of Hammurabi presents a worldview where political power flows from divine authority. The king is not just a political leader but also a divinely appointed agent responsible for upholding justice and order in accordance with the will of the gods. This close relationship between religion and politics was a fundamental characteristic of Mesopotamian society.<br />