Hammurabi

Hammurabi shaped ancient civilization with his vision of justice and governance. In Fascinating Discoveries about Hammurabi, dive into intriguing facts about his reign, his famous code, and the empire he built in Mesopotamia.
Hammurabi
  1. Hammurabi ruled Babylon from around 1792 to 1750 BCE. He was the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty and transformed Babylon from a small city-state into a powerful empire.
  2. He is best known for the Code of Hammurabi, one of the oldest and most complete legal codes ever discovered.
  3. The Code of Hammurabi contained 282 laws, carved onto a large stone stele for all to see. The Code was inscribed on a large black diorite stele, which stands about 2.25 meters tall and was discovered in 1901 in Susa (modern-day Iran). The stele shows Hammurabi receiving the laws from Shamash, the Babylonian sun god.
  4. His famous principle of “an eye for an eye” aimed to create fairness but often favored the wealthy.
  5. Hammurabi’s code covered everything from trade and property rights to marriage, theft, and personal injury.
  6. He expanded his empire through strategic warfare and clever diplomacy, uniting much of Mesopotamia under his rule.
  7. The stele displaying Hammurabi’s laws was lost for centuries and was found in 1901 in modern-day Iran.
  8. He claimed that the god Marduk chose him to bring order and justice to his people.
  1. His laws introduced the concept of presumed innocence, a foundation of modern legal systems.
  2. Hammurabi’s empire stretched from the Persian Gulf to the Euphrates River valley.
  3. The Code of Hammurabi also set specific wages for workers, regulating the ancient economy.
  4. Many punishments in his code were harsh, reflecting the brutal realities of ancient life.
  5. His leadership focused on building canals, strengthening agriculture, and boosting trade networks.
  6. He was not just a lawgiver; Hammurabi was also a skilled military leader who fought rival kings.
  7. His influence lives on, as his legal concepts helped shape the development of future civilizations.

J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien, an English writer, poet, philologist, and academic, is best known for his high-fantasy works 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings.' Here are some J.R.R. Tolkien fun facts:
J.R.R. Tolkien
1

J.R.R. Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

2

His full name was John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.

3

Tolkien served in World War I, where he fought in the Battle of the Somme and lost many close friends.

4

He was a professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford from 1925 to 1945.

5

Tolkien was a member of an informal literary discussion group called The Inklings, which included C.S. Lewis.

6

He began writing 'The Hobbit' for his children, and it was published in 1937.

7

His epic work 'The Lord of the Rings' was published in three volumes from 1954 to 1955.

8

Tolkien invented several languages for his fictional world, including Elvish languages such as Quenya and Sindarin.

9

He was deeply influenced by mythology, particularly Norse and Anglo-Saxon myths, which shaped his fictional world of Middle-earth.

10

Tolkien was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1972 for his services to literature.

11

He published 'The Silmarillion' posthumously, a collection of mythopoeic stories that provide the backstory for 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings.'

12

Tolkien's works have been adapted into successful films, radio dramas, and stage plays.

13

He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, creating extensive histories, genealogies, and maps for his fictional world.

14

Tolkien's influence extends beyond literature, inspiring countless authors, filmmakers, and artists.

15

J.R.R. Tolkien passed away on September 2, 1973.

Elisabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth II, born on April 21, 1926, has been the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom since February 6, 1952. She is the longest-reigning current monarch, known for her dedication and service. Here are some Elizabeth II fun facts:
Elizabeth II.
1

Elizabeth was born at 17 Bruton Street, London, on April 21, 1926.

2

She became queen at the age of 25 following the death of her father, King George VI.

3

Elizabeth has celebrated more than 68 years on the throne.

4

She married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1947.

5

Elizabeth is the first British monarch to celebrate a Sapphire Jubilee (65 years).

6

She is the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

7

Elizabeth has met with 13 U.S. Presidents during her reign.

8

Her coronation in 1953 was the first to be televised.

9

Elizabeth has four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward.

10

She has owned more than 30 corgis during her reign.

11

Elizabeth is known for her sense of duty and public service.

12

She has seen the UK through significant changes, including decolonization and technological advancements.

13

Elizabeth II has made numerous state visits and hosted many foreign leaders.

14

She is also the longest-serving current head of state.

15

Elizabeth enjoys equestrian pursuits and attends the Royal Windsor Horse Show.