Why did early agricultural civilizations insist on harsh punishments?

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

There was only enough food produced to feed everyone and save for the winter. Stealing some food condemned others to starve; so stealing was punished by cutting off a hand. This allowed the thief to still work and was a warning to others.

Answer by  bunnygirl (779)

In a situation of limited resources, it is pertinent for the civilization to think of its needs. Cohesion of the group is necessary to meet those needs and harsh punishments were meted out in order to emphasize that one needed to not be selfish so that everyone can survive.

Answer by  jclick (1561)

Hammurabi's Code written in the Babylon Kingdon, is one of the first codes of law ever written. This codified long-standing precedent of tribal law in a more modern document. Harsh punishments are standard in Hammurabi's Code because that was one way to instill fear among subjects in the Kingdom.

Answer by  PietHeemskerk (133)

Because they were largely feudal civilizations, with set social castes. To enforce this caste system fear was used as a weapon, showing people what happened to them if they dared challenge the system.

Answer by  DackThrombosis (1093)

Crimes like stealing and murder in the Mesopotamian region circa 3000BCE could doom a family to a quick death due to lack of supplies and lack of available labor. Law codes called for cutting off limbs or instant death for murderers because they served as a vivid example to those who might attempt the same activity against others.

Answer by  monkeydrone (233)

Early agricultural civilizations were much more communal then what we are used to. For them theft hurt everyone and muerder rduced the amount of usable labor.