What was Hammurabi's role in Babylon?

Hammurabi is best known for being an Amorite ruler, specifically the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty. His reign, which lasted from around 1792 to 1750 BCE, was marked by the expansion of Babylon from a small city-state to a significant kingdom in Mesopotamia. Hammurabi is most famous for his legal code, often referred to as the Code of Hammurabi, which laid down laws that governed the society, establishing justice and order through a set of rules. This code is one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, showcasing Hammurabi's role not just as a ruler but also as a foundational figure in legal history.

While he was indeed a leader of an empire and a military figure during his reign, identifying him specifically as an Amorite ruler emphasizes his ethnic and cultural origins, which are significant to understanding the context of his governance and achievements. His legacy, particularly his contributions to law and governance, reflects the broader trends of centralization and urban development in ancient Mesopotamia.