The ancient civilization credited with the first written laws, known as the Code of Hammurabi, is the Babylonian civilization. Established by King Hammurabi around 1754 BCE, the Code represents one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes in human history. It consists of 282 laws that covered various aspects of daily life, including trade, family, and criminal justice. The laws were inscribed on stone tablets and publicly displayed, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law. The Code of Hammurabi has significantly influenced legal systems in many cultures throughout history and is considered a foundational document in the study of legal history.