History of Witches - The Babylonian Code of Hammurabi (1754 BCE) The laws that specifically addressed sorcery

Sorcery in the Code of Hammurabi:

The Code of Hammurabi includes several references to sorcery and witchcraft, reflecting the belief that magical practices had the power to disrupt the natural and social order. Laws against sorcery were particularly aimed at protecting individuals from harm caused by witchcraft and punishing those who might use it for malicious purposes. For instance, law 2 of the Code addresses the punishment of a physician who uses sorcery for evil deeds, indicating that magic could be used both for healing and for harm. In such cases, the penalty for practitioners of malevolent magic could be death, highlighting the severity with which sorcery was viewed. The law even specified that those found guilty of using magic to harm someone could face execution.

Cultural Context and Timeline:

The Babylonian period (around 1754 BCE) was a time of significant legal and social structuring in ancient Mesopotamia. Hammurabi’s code was created to maintain order and justice across his empire, which spanned much of modern-day Iraq. The inclusion of sorcery laws in the Code reflects the importance of religion and spirituality in Babylonian society. Magic was believed to be a force that could either uphold or destroy harmony in the world. Sorcery, especially when used maliciously, was considered a threat to public welfare, with the law serving as a protective measure.  It represents one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes in history. This extensive compilation of laws was inscribed on a stele and served as a foundation for governance in the Babylonian Empire. Among its various stipulations, the Code specifically addressed sorcery and witchcraft, reflecting the societal anxieties surrounding these practices. Laws against sorcery were indicative of the period's belief systems and the need for social order.

Legacy:

The Code of Hammurabi set the stage for later legal codes that also sought to regulate magical practices, marking an enduring fear of sorcery in ancient societies. While these laws seem harsh by modern standards, they offer insight into the way the ancient world perceived and sought to control magical forces in the context of law and order. The Code's provisions against sorcery reflect a societal attempt to protect the individual and the community from supernatural harm and maintain stability within the empire.

Closing Notes:

The inclusion of laws against sorcery can be contextualized within the broader framework of Mesopotamian culture, which was rife with superstition and a deep-seated fear of malevolent forces. The 47th law explicitly states that if a man is accused of practicing sorcery and cannot prove his innocence, he shall be put to death. This underscores not only the severity with which such accusations were treated but also highlights how deeply intertwined legal structures were with religious beliefs during this time. Sorcery was not just a personal act but a threat to the well-being and stability of society, and as such, it required the intervention of both the state and religious authorities.

Furthermore, these laws served multiple functions: they deterred potential malefactors while simultaneously reinforcing the authority of both state and religion as arbiters of morality. The timeline leading up to Hammurabi’s reign saw various shifts in power dynamics within Mesopotamia. The region was fragmented into different city-states, each with its own laws and traditions. Hammurabi’s codification efforts can be seen as an attempt to unify these diverse groups under a singular legal framework, helping to consolidate his power and ensure stability in his empire.

In conclusion, the Code of Hammurabi's stance on sorcery illustrates how ancient societies grappled with issues related to morality, justice, and social cohesion. The fear of magical practices and the laws to regulate them reflect not only the religious and cultural beliefs of the time but also the need for the state to assert control over aspects of life that were considered both sacred and dangerous. By addressing sorcery in his legal code, Hammurabi reinforced the belief that the protection of society was inextricably linked to both the divine and the legal order.