We can list as similarities between these two empires their location, the way how they built their cities, and the period they build their empires. The differences, however, are more visible. For the differences, we can separate into two points: the government and the war practices.
Babylonians formed an empire in 1792 when King Hammurabi took the authority. On the other hand, Hittites were the Anatolian people who played a significant role in the formation of the Hittites Empire around 1600 B.C
The major difference between Hittites and Babylonian was that while the Hittites were known as the Warriors, Babylonians were known for their Astronomy. The system of justice for Babylonians was known for their exacting and severe punishment, at the same time, Hittites had a soothing system of Penalty. These two empires (located in the area called the Middle East), were contemporaneous with each other. A similarity between the two empires can also be found in the fact that both the empire practiced Polytheism in one or another way. Â
Explanation:
The Babylonians were harsh with their laws. An example of this point is the Code of Hammurabi. Dated from around the year 1700 BC, this law agreement was based on the lex talionis, or "Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth". The violence of these laws is one of the main differences between Babylonians and Hittites.
The Hittites Law Code was more complex and consistent. This is because of their nomadism, and especially because they had the precept to capture their enemies. So, their laws must be range. We can name their laws based on the concept of causes, which means, your actions would be punished according to their strength. However, there was no death penalty (capital punishment), and many of the crimes were solved trough tax payments or fines.
When it comes to war, the Babylonians were not used to combat. Even if they had an army and the pretense idea of expansion, they were closer to the research and scholar world. Many astronomical discoveries were proceeded by the Babylonians. On the other hand, Hittites were warriors.
1.14 Unit Test: Civilization Begins - Part 2
