How did the Babylonians view the concept of monarchy and government?

The Babylonians, who lived in Mesopotamia from the 18th to 6th centuries BCE, were among the first civilizations in human history to develop a complex system of government and administration. The concept of monarchy was central to Babylonian political thought, and the king was seen as a divine figure with absolute authority over his subjects. The king, also known as the 'shepherd of the people,' was responsible for maintaining law and order, defending the state against external enemies, and overseeing the distribution of resources.

Babylonian society was highly stratified, with a rigid hierarchy of classes that determined a person's social status and economic opportunities. The king and his immediate family were at the top of the social ladder, followed by the nobility, the priests, the merchants, and the common people. Despite this hierarchical structure, the Babylonians believed in the importance of justice and fairness, and the law was seen as the ultimate source of legitimacy for the king and his government.

The Babylonians developed a sophisticated legal system, which was based on a comprehensive set of laws known as the Code of Hammurabi. The code included detailed regulations on a wide range of issues, such as property rights, marriage and divorce, and criminal justice. The code also established strict penalties for certain crimes, and these penalties were designed to reflect the severity of the offense and deter others from committing similar crimes.

Overall, the Babylonians viewed monarchy and government as essential for maintaining order and stability in society, and they believed that a just and wise king could ensure the prosperity and well-being of his people.