Near East Final Review

Ancient Mesopotamian law codes emphasize that the ruler should protect the most vulnerable people under his rule (orphans, widows, the poor) from mistreatment by the rich and powerful.

Several Mesopotamian law codes mention a “river ordeal” or “ordeal by water.” Which of the following describe aspects of that “ordeal”? Check all that apply.

Under the Laws of Lipit-Ishtar, if a young man is ordered not to go back to a street-prostitute with whom he has had sexual relations, he can reverse that order and go to the prostitute anyway as long as beforehand he divorces his first-ranking wife.

In ancient Mesopotamia marriage was formed merely by mutual consent. No “paperwork” was required. The idea of a marriage contract or license is a modern Western legal invention.

Mesopotamian law codes generally have an overall 3-part structure, in the following standard order

The term “lex talionis” is often used to describe the general nature of penalties imposed in Mesopotamian legal texts. What does “lex talionis” mean?

Modern scholars hesitate to use the term “code” for Mesopotamian law collections. Why? Check all that apply.