The ancient civilization credited with the development of the first known code of law is Mesopotamia, specifically the Babylonian civilization. The Code of Hammurabi, created around 1754 BCE by King Hammurabi, is one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes. It established laws governing various aspects of society, including trade, property rights, and family relations. The code is notable for its "eye for an eye" principle, which aimed to ensure justice through a system of strict penalties. This code served as an essential foundation for subsequent legal systems and the concept of justice.