Bringing Ancient Mesopotamia to Life: 6th Graders Perform "Hammurabi's Court" Skits

Ms. Downey's 6th grade Eastern Hemisphere classes recently brought history to life by performing "Hammurabi's Court" skits as part of their Early River Civilizations unit on Mesopotamia. During these skits, students presented various cases in front of a mock court presided over by Hammurabi, the famous king of Babylon. This interactive activity allowed students to step into the shoes of ancient Mesopotamians and experience firsthand how justice was administered in one of the world's earliest civilizations.

In addition to acting out the court cases, the students engaged in thoughtful discussions about Hammurabi's Code of Law. They explored whether the laws were just and fair, considering the historical context and the impact on different members of society. This exercise not only deepened their understanding of Mesopotamian culture but also encouraged them to think critically about the principles of justice and fairness that continue to shape our world today.