The ancient civilization that created the first code of laws is Mesopotamia, specifically represented by the Code of Hammurabi, which dates back to around 1754 BCE. This code, established by King Hammurabi of Babylon, consisted of 282 laws governing various aspects of daily life, including trade, family relations, and property rights. Notably, it introduced the concept of justice and the principle of retributive justice, encapsulated in the famous phrase "an eye for an eye." The Code of Hammurabi laid the foundation for legal systems in subsequent civilizations and remains a significant achievement in the history of law.