According to Hammurabi's Code, if a sister of a god opens a tavern or drinks in a tavern, she shall be burned to death.

According to Hammurabi's Code, if a sister of a god opens a tavern or drinks in a tavern, she shall be burned to death.

• A. Hanged
• B. Burned to death
• C. Drowned
• D. Fined a month's wages

Answer: (B)

The rule tested shows how Hammurabi's Code ties penalties to religious status and temple life, enforcing strict behavior for those connected to the gods. When a sister of a god engages in tavern-keeping or drinking in a tavern, it is seen as a profound violation of ritual propriety and the sacred order. The code responds with a severe penalty appropriate for offenses that threaten divine or temple sanctity, which in this case is burning to death. This reflects the broader pattern in the code of reserving harsh, public punishments for acts deemed impious or dangerous to the social-religious structure. The other penalties—hanging, drowning, or a monetary fine—do not match this specific statutory punishment for this transgression.

The rule tested shows how Hammurabi's Code ties penalties to religious status and temple life, enforcing strict behavior for those connected to the gods. When a sister of a god engages in tavern-keeping or drinking in a tavern, it is seen as a profound violation of ritual propriety and the sacred order. The code responds with a severe penalty appropriate for offenses that threaten divine or temple sanctity, which in this case is burning to death. This reflects the broader pattern in the code of reserving harsh, public punishments for acts deemed impious or dangerous to the social-religious structure. The other penalties—hanging, drowning, or a monetary fine—do not match this specific statutory punishment for this transgression.