Believed to be the world’s oldest written legal code, the Code of Ur-Nammu—dating back to around 2100 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia—opens with a striking first law: "If a man commits a murder, that man must be killed." This early declaration of capital punishment marks a foundational moment in legal history, illustrating how justice and social order were enforced nearly 4,000 years ago. The law reflects retributive justice principles and highlights the emergence of state-adminis

The Laws of Ur-Nammu, dating to around 2100 BCE, are the oldest known legal code in history — predating Hammurabi by centuries. Issued in ancient Sumer, this early Mesopotamian code emphasized fairness and monetary compensation over physical punishment, offering deep insight into early justice systems and social values. Its legacy helped shape the foundations of written law in human civilization.