In this Grade 6 Pengi Social Studies lesson, students trace the transition from city-states to empires by examining the rise of the Babylonian and Assyrian Empires in the ancient Near East. Students analyze Hammurabi's Code, exploring the principle of "an eye for an eye" and how its laws reflected social hierarchies in early civilizations. This lesson is part of Chapter 2: The Early Civilizations of the Near East and Africa.
Section 1
Hammurabi Unites Mesopotamia
After early city-states weakened, stronger leaders arose to conquer them. Hammurabi, the king of Babylon, used military force to unite southern Mesopotamia into the Babylonian Empire.
To control this large territory, he created a strong central government. He appointed governors, collected taxes, and organized public building projects, demonstrating how empires replace independent city-states.
Section 2
Hammurabi's Code Establishes the Rule of Law
Hammurabi’s most famous achievement was his Code of Laws, carved onto a stone stele for all to see. It covered trade, family, and crime, establishing the rule of law—the idea that laws apply to everyone.
However, the laws reflected social hierarchy. Punishments were based on the principle of "an eye for an eye," but they were harsher for commoners than for the wealthy.
Section 3
The Assyrian War Machine
Later, the Assyrians built a fearsome empire through military force. Their society was organized around warfare, using a professional army to conquer neighbors.
To take over walled cities, they developed siege warfare using battering rams and moveable towers. Their kings used wealth from conquests to build palaces decorated with bas-reliefs celebrating their military victories.
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Section 1
Hammurabi Unites Mesopotamia
After early city-states weakened, stronger leaders arose to conquer them. Hammurabi, the king of Babylon, used military force to unite southern Mesopotamia into the Babylonian Empire.
To control this large territory, he created a strong central government. He appointed governors, collected taxes, and organized public building projects, demonstrating how empires replace independent city-states.
Section 2
Hammurabi's Code Establishes the Rule of Law
Hammurabi’s most famous achievement was his Code of Laws, carved onto a stone stele for all to see. It covered trade, family, and crime, establishing the rule of law—the idea that laws apply to everyone.
However, the laws reflected social hierarchy. Punishments were based on the principle of "an eye for an eye," but they were harsher for commoners than for the wealthy.
Section 3
The Assyrian War Machine
Later, the Assyrians built a fearsome empire through military force. Their society was organized around warfare, using a professional army to conquer neighbors.
To take over walled cities, they developed siege warfare using battering rams and moveable towers. Their kings used wealth from conquests to build palaces decorated with bas-reliefs celebrating their military victories.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter