Code Of Nesilim: Ancient Laws Of The Hittites

MessageToEagle.com – As many other great ancient civilizations, the Hittites had laws that regulated various aspects of their vast empire. Written somewhere from 1650-1500 BC, the Code of Nesilim was a document that stated ancient laws of the Hittites. One of its most significant topics concerned the treatment of slaves.

The Hittites ruled the central Anatolian kingdom of Hatti from c. 1900 – 800 BCE. They formed the earliest known Anatolian civilization and employed an advanced system of government based on an established legal system. Their military was well trained, well equipped, and employed chariots that were the lightest and fastest of their time.

The Hittites created Hattusha, the capital of the kingdom, located in Turkey. The Hittite empire reached its height during the mid-14th century BC when it encompassed an area that included most of Asia Minor.

After 1180 B.C. the empire came to an end during the Bronze Age collapse. Several independent Neo-Hittite city-states were established and some of them survived until the 8th century BC.

The Code of Nesilim reveals much about the social structure of the society. Compared to the Code of Hammurabi, where death was the punishment for the majority of the offenses described the punishments stated in the Code of Nesilim were not very severe.

Some laws in the Code of Nesilim were rather unusual according to modern standards. Fro example, if a man raped a woman outdoors, he was sentenced to death. However, if the rape happened at home, it was deemed to be the fault of the woman and she was sentenced to die.

See also:

Yazilikaya: One Of The Most Striking Religious Shrines Of The Hittite Empire

Magnificent Hattusha: Capital Of The Hittites

Codes Of Ur Nammu: World’s Oldest Known Law Code

As in all other ancient civilizations, slaves were not on the same level as free men. Yet, the Code of Nesilim was surprisingly fair, allowing slaves to marry whomever they wanted, to buy property, to open businesses, and to purchase their freedom. Under the Code of Nesilim, slaves were not treated as human chattel, or property that could be used and abused by their masters however they saw fit. They had a limited number of rights that guaranteed them a level of dignity and protection.

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