The Code of Hammurabi, dating back to around 1754 BC, was one of the earliest and most comprehensive legal codes, influencing early legal systems. It established a framework of laws addressing various aspects of society, including property rights, trade, and family matters. The code’s principle of lex talionis, or "an eye for an eye," emphasized justice through retribution and created standards for penalties, establishing societal order. Hammurabi’s code served as a template for subsequent legal systems, providing insights into the administration of justice and the interplay between law and morality in ancient civilizations.