Internal Developments And Architecture

The next contributions of Hammurabi are the contributions to the internal developments and architechture. After establishing his vast empire from a relatively tiny state, Hammurabi focused on the advancement of the kingdom's internal structure. He built a huge infrastructure, including temples and public buildings, and was one of the best managers, overseeing many of the projects himself. Hammurabi made sure that Babylon would be remembered long after his death by constructing roads, gardens, and lakes that were often erected merely for aesthetic purposes. Hammurabi further bolstered himself politically by starting a series of significant infrastructure projects, much like a current governor or senator who increases his popularity by getting roads fixed and bridges erected in his home state. He erected temples, granaries, and palaces, a bridge across the Euphrates River that allowed the city to grow on both banks, and a massive irrigation system that also served as a flood-protection system for the surrounding region.

His investments were profitable, as Babylon gradually grew rich and prosperous. Hammurabi, however, also made sure that everyone understood that he was in charge of all the good fortune. He made sure everyone understood, for instance, that he was merely fulfilling his obligation to the gods who had given him the land when he built his canal.