The famous ancient text that outlines the principles of government and law, attributed to a Babylonian king around 1754 BC, is the Code of Hammurabi. This codex is one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, consisting of 282 laws governing aspects of daily life, commerce, and social relations. The principles enshrined in the Code emphasize justice, retribution, and the idea of "an eye for an eye." It served not only as a legal foundation but also as a reflection of the values and social hierarchy of Babylonian society. The Code of Hammurabi has had a lasting impact on legal thought and served as a forerunner to subsequent legal systems.