The ancient civilization credited with the first known code of laws is Mesopotamia, particularly through the rule of King Hammurabi of Babylon around 1750 BC. Hammurabi’s Code is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world. It consists of 282 laws that cover various aspects of daily life, commerce, family relations, and criminal justice, emphasizing the principle of retributive justice, known as “an eye for an eye.” This code laid foundational legal principles and is an early example of a systematic legal framework, influencing future legal systems throughout history and across cultures.