The Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world, dating back to around 1754 BC. It consists of 282 laws that were inscribed on a stone stele, covering various aspects of daily life, including trade, family, and criminal justice. The code is famous for its principle of retributive justice, often summarized as 'an eye for an eye'. This legal document was created by Hammurabi, the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty, to unify the diverse groups within his empire under a common set of laws. The Code of Hammurabi emphasizes the importance of justice and order in society, influencing many legal systems that followed it throughout history.