The Babylonian civilization created one of the first written codes of law, known as the Code of Hammurabi, around 1754 BCE. This collection of laws was inscribed on a stone stele and displayed publicly for all to see. The Code consisted of 282 laws covering various aspects of daily life, including trade, family relations, and criminal justice, emphasizing principles such as justice and retribution. Hammurabi's Code is significant for establishing a legal framework that influenced later legal systems and contributed to the development of governance and societal order in ancient Mesopotamia and beyond.