Law and Order in Mesopotamia: Unveiling Hammurabi's Code | Engaging Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Transport your students back in time to explore the groundbreaking Hammurabi's Code, one of the earliest known written legal systems. This comprehensive reading comprehension worksheet delves into the fascinating details of this ancient code, revealing its impact on social structure, legal practices, and the overall sense of justice within the Babylonian Empire.

Students will gain a deeper understanding of:

• The historical context: Discover how Hammurabi's Code emerged and the societal need it addressed.
• The legal framework: Analyze the diverse laws covering personal injury, property rights, family matters, and more.
• The concept of justice: Examine the principle of "lex talionis" and the varying punishments based on social class.
• The code's lasting influence: Explore how Hammurabi's Code laid the foundation for modern legal systems.

Content:

• Engaging Text: Dive into a captivating reading passage that details the code's contents, social hierarchy, and its implications for daily life in Mesopotamia.
• Primary Source Analysis: Analyze an excerpt from the code, allowing students to practice critical thinking and gain firsthand insight into the legal practices of the time.
• Review Questions: Reinforce understanding with a range of multiple-choice, true-or-false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions that assess student comprehension and encourage deeper analysis.
• Answer Key: A comprehensive answer key is provided, ensuring easy grading and facilitating meaningful discussions in class.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the key principles and contents of Hammurabi's Code.
• Understand the social hierarchy within Babylonian society and its impact on the legal system.
• Discuss the concept of "lex talionis" and its application in different scenarios.
• Evaluate the lasting influence of Hammurabi's Code on the development of modern legal systems.

Common Core State Standards:

This reading comprehension worksheet aligns with the following Common Core State Standards:

• Reading: RI.5.1, RI.5.2, RI.5.3, RI.5.4, RI.5.5, RI.5.6
• Writing: W.5.1, W.5.2, W.5.4, W.5.8
• Speaking and Listening: SL.5.1, SL.5.2, SL.5.3
• Social Studies: SS.5.C.2, SS.5.C.3, SS.5.C.4

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