Lecture, Barnard's Inn Hall, Thursday, 23 Jan 2025 - 18:00

Writing Laws: Hammurabi to Solon

Etching of Greek scribes

When and why do written laws emerge in ancient societies? This lecture considers these questions in light of evidence such as the law code of Hammurabi; the earliest attestation of written laws in Greek (found in Crete); and the full-blown commitment to written laws by the Athenian lawgiver Solon. It explores how writing relates to the functions of law more generally, in light of debates in contemporary legal philosophy. 

Professor Melissa Lane

Professor Melissa Lane

Gresham Professor of Rhetoric

Melissa Lane is the Class of 1943 Professor of Politics, Princeton University and is also Associated Faculty in the Department of Classics and Department of...

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