Code of Hammurabi · World History

What consequence did builders face if a house collapsed and killed the owner?

  1. A heavy monetary fine
  2. Imprisonment for a fixed term
  3. Execution of the builder
  4. Banishment from the city
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Execution of the builder

Under the Code, if a builder's negligence caused a house to collapse and kill the owner, the builder was put to death. This strict application of personal responsibility underpinned Hammurabi's concept of proportional justice.

Difficulty: Medium Question 15 of 20

Practice all 20 Code of Hammurabi questions

Keep practicing

More Code of Hammurabi questions