Was Hammurabi in favor of free enterprise?

Answer 1

Hammurabi, the Babylonian king known for his code of laws, did not explicitly advocate for free enterprise as understood today. His legal code established regulations that aimed to protect property rights, ensure fair trade, and maintain social order, which can be seen as a framework for commerce. However, his policies also included heavy state involvement in economic matters, such as price controls and regulations on trades and professions, reflecting a more controlled economy than a fully free enterprise system. Thus, while he supported aspects of trade, his approach was not one of unregulated free enterprise.