The ancient text that outlines early legal principles and is often associated with Hammurabi is the Code of Hammurabi. This remarkable artifact dates back to around 1754 BC in ancient Mesopotamia and consists of a series of laws that govern various aspects of daily life, including trade, family relations, and civil rights. The Code is known for its principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, famously summarized as "an eye for an eye." It is one of the earliest examples of a written legal code, demonstrating the advancements in legal thought and governance in ancient civilizations, and influencing subsequent legal systems.