Ancient Rules Reading Worksheet
History Explorers Do Now Activity
King Hammurabi's Big Rules
Read the true story. Circle important words. Then complete the summary below.
Name:
Date:
The First Written Laws
Long ago, a king named Hammurabi ruled a great land called Babylon. He helped his people grow crops like wheat and barley. When dry days came with no rain, called a drought, families still had plenty of bread because the king stored extra food in safe rooms.
King Hammurabi wanted his land to be peaceful and safe for everyone. He created a list of 282 rules, or laws. Workers carved every single law into tall stone pillars in the city center. Anyone could walk right up and read them. They were some of the very first written laws in human history!
Law
A rule that everyone in a town must follow to stay safe.
Pillar
A tall, heavy stone post standing in the town center.
Drought
A long time when no rain falls and plants cannot grow.
Quick Check (Circle the Best Answer)
1. Where did the king put the laws?
A. Hidden inside his bedroom
B. Carved onto tall stone pillars
2. Why did workers store extra grain?
A. So people had food in dry times
B. To throw it into the river
Summary Sentences (Fill in the Blanks)
Word Bank: pillars • laws • food
1. King Hammurabi helped his people stay safe by storing extra
2. He wanted everyone to know the rules, so he carved 282
Babylon History Series • Ancient Rule Makers Page 1 of 1
Fair Rules Scenario Worksheet
History Dilemma • Grade 2 Homework Activity
Fair Rules or Harsh Rules?
Read the real-life story from ancient Babylon. Then share your ideas.
Name:
Date:
The Story of Mummar's Mistake
It was a hard year in Babylon. The king trusted a worker named Mummar to collect the grain harvest. But Mummar did not want to do the work. He paid an untrained helper to do his job. The helper made big mistakes, and the wheat spoiled! Now the families have no bread. King Hammurabi had very strict laws. He told Mummar: "Because of your choice, you must face the harshest punishment: you must be put to death."
Justice
Treating people fairly, being honest, and helping fix mistakes.
Revenge
Hurting someone just to hurt them back because you are angry.
1. Do you think King Hammurabi's punishment shows justice or revenge?
Justice Revenge
Sentence Starter: "I think it shows ____________ because..."
2. Does the king's punishment fit Mummar's mistake? Why or why not?
Sentence Starter: "I think this punishment is (too harsh / fair) because..."
Babylon History Series • Fair Rules Dilemma Page 1 of 2
Fair Rules Dilemma • Part 2
Think about why we have rules in our world today.
Name:
3
Do people follow rules ONLY to avoid getting punished? Or do they follow rules to help each other?
Sentence Starter: "People follow rules because..."
4
What should be the main purpose of rules: catching bad behavior or helping people do good things?
Sentence Starter: "The main purpose of a rule should be to..."
My Classroom Rule (Draw & Write)
Draw one rule that keeps our classroom safe, kind, and fair for everyone:
My Rule:
Babylon History Series • Fair Rules Dilemma Page 2 of 2
