Page 16 - Human Rights

Faculty of Nursing
Adult care Nursing Department

1. Ancient Civilizations

Mesopotamia – Code of Hammurabi (c. 1754 BCE)

One of the earliest known legal codes, established in Babylon. It contained 282 laws covering

criminal, civil, and commercial matters.

It emphasized justice and fairness, for example: “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”

It also protected certain classes of people, including women, slaves, and property owners.

Ancient Egypt Egyptian pharaohs emphasized Maat, meaning truth, balance, and justice.

Laws promoted social order and tried to prevent exploitation of the weak.

Ancient Greece Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle discussed justice, equality, and the

rights of citizens.

Greek democracy introduced ideas such as citizens’ participation in governance and freedom of

speech (though limited to free male citizens).

Ancient Rome Roman law introduced legal rights for citizens, including protection of property,

contracts, and legal procedures.

Concepts like natural law (jus natural) influenced later European ideas of universal human rights.

2. Religious and Ethical Influences

Judaism The Ten Commandments emphasized respect for life, property, and fairness.

Jewish law promoted ethical obligations to the community and protection of the weak.

Christianity Taught that all humans are equal before God, which influenced ideas about universal
moral rights.

14 Academic Year 2025/2026