The ancient civilization known for creating one of the first known legal codes is Mesopotamia, specifically the Akkadian Empire under King Hammurabi around 1754 BCE. Hammurabi’s Code, inscribed on a stone stele, comprised 282 laws governing various aspects of Babylonian society, including trade, property, family relations, and criminal justice. It is notable for the principle of "an eye for an eye," which represented an early form of justice and order. This legal code not only influenced subsequent legal systems but also provided insight into the social, economic, and cultural values of ancient Mesopotamian civilization.