'A thorough introduction to the life and times of one of the most prominent rulers in the history of ancient Mesopotamia, presented by one of the masters of Old Babylonian studies. In addition to detailing Hammurabi's military and political achievements, Dominique Charpin lucidly sketches the society and economy over which he ruled and of course discusses his famous "Law Code." Numerous translated excerpts from the original documents afford the reader a vivid picture of life in Babylonia.' Gary Beckman, Professor of Hittite and Mesopotamian Studies, University of Michigan. 'A first-rate study of this important Babylonian ruler by one of the world's leading Assyriologists.'- Andrew R George, FBA, Professor of Babylonian, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.