How did Hummurubi code 14 affect the Babylonian people?
Hummurabi Code 14, which stipulated that a debt could be paid off through forced labor if the debtor was unable to repay, had a significant impact on Babylonian society. It allowed creditors to exploit debtors who were unable to repay their debts, potentially leading to individuals being subjected to harsh working conditions and becoming trapped in a cycle of debt bondage.
The code also imposed strict penalties on those who failed to fulfill their obligations, including the possibility of being enslaved or put to death. This created a climate of fear and coercion among the lower classes, as they could be punished severely if they were unable to meet their financial obligations.
Overall, Hummurabi Code 14 reinforced existing social hierarchies and economic inequalities within Babylonian society, benefiting creditors and landowners at the expense of indebted individuals. It served to maintain the power and wealth of the ruling elite while further marginalizing the most vulnerable members of society.