How did Hammurabi improve the economy of the Babylonian Empire?

Hammurabi, the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty, improved the economy of the Babylonian Empire through a few key initiatives that focused on improving agriculture, trade, and legalities.

1. Agricultural improvements: He recognized that agriculture was the backbone of the Babylonian economy. To improve it, Hammurabi focused on building and maintaining a complex irrigation system that would ensure water reached farms throughout the year. This led to increased agricultural productivity and, hence, a more stable food supply.

2. Legal Reforms: Hammurabi is most famous for his code of laws, the Code of Hammurabi, which was one of the first written legal codes in history. This set of laws provided a stable environment for business by establishing rules on commercial transactions, property ownership, and contracts. By doing so, it reduced uncertainty for traders and landowners, leading to greater economic prosperity.

3. Trade regulations: Hammurabi’s code also included regulations that facilitated trade by standardizing weights and measures, thus making it easier to conduct business both within and outside the empire. With better trade regulations, Babylon became an important trading hub in the ancient world, which boosted its economic power.

4. Infrastructure development: Hammurabi also invested in infrastructure beyond irrigation, such as roads and storage facilities, which further facilitated trade and the movement of goods within the empire.

5. Promotion of the arts and crafts: During Hammurabi's reign, craftsmanship flourished, providing goods for trade and contributing to the overall economic wealth.

By implementing these measures, Hammurabi was able to strengthen the Babylonian economy, making it one of the most powerful of its time.