‘’To what degree did ancient Babylon women have equal rights compared with Babylonian men?’’
The population of Babylonia was grouped into three classes. From top of the hierarchy, The Amelu, the Mushkenuand the Ardu. In the codes, there is no mention where a woman is denied from taking part in activities such as owning land, having a business or not having say on issues that may concern her. There was equality when it came to people of the same class, where it was ‘an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth’ kind of punishment regardless of gender. However when it came to marital laws, the odds were skewed in favour of the man.
Some codes are seen to begin with the phrase ‘If anyone’ which shows that this law applies to every Babylonian Amelu, Mushkenu or Ardu, male or female. Other terms such as ‘robber, a merchant, a conspirator, physician, a builder’. This also shows that women did take up such roles in the society.
However, in reference to code 117, we see that the mistakes made by the man are paid for by his wife and daughter as well. This also shows how it is expected that men handled finances in the household. Here women are portrayed as objects. ‘…..sells….his wife….his daughter for money.’
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