The ancient civilization credited with developing the first code of laws is the Sumerians, particularly evidenced by the Code of Ur-Nammu, dating back to around 2100-2050 BCE. However, the most famous early legal code, the Code of Hammurabi, was established later by the Babylonian king Hammurabi around 1754 BCE. These codes, inscribed on stone tablets, outlined laws and corresponding punishments, emphasizing the principle of justice. They played a crucial role in the administration of justice in ancient societies, providing a framework for governance and social order, and influenced legal systems in future civilizations.