What was Hammurabi's code and why was it unusual at the time it was established?

Hammurabi's Code, established around 1754 BCE in ancient Babylon, is one of the earliest known legal codes, consisting of 282 laws covering various aspects of daily life, justice, and trade. Its unusual aspect at the time was the principle of standardized laws applied uniformly to all citizens, rather than arbitrary rulings by rulers or priests, promoting the idea of justice and accountability. The code is also notable for its "eye for an eye" approach, emphasizing retributive justice, which was a significant shift from previous legal practices.