The ancient text considered one of the oldest written laws in history is the Code of Hammurabi. Dating back to around 1754 BCE in ancient Babylon, this code comprises 282 laws that cover various aspects of daily life, including trade, property rights, and family issues. It is notable for its principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, encapsulated in the phrase "an eye for an eye." The Code of Hammurabi represents a significant early attempt to organize societal rules and legal standards, reflecting the values and norms of Babylonian society during that time.