Question

How did Hammurabi improve the economy of the Babylonian Empire?

He created new trade routes.
He created canals to trade on the rivers.
He required conquered people to pay tribute.
He spent tax money to expand construction projects.

Answer 1

Hammurabi improved the economy of the Babylonian Empire through several significant measures. While all the options you listed contributed to economic growth in different ways, a few stand out.

1. **He required conquered people to pay tribute**: This was an important aspect of Hammurabi's economic strategy. By demanding tribute from conquered territories, he was able to increase the wealth of Babylon, which funded various state functions and public works.

2. **He spent tax money to expand construction projects**: Hammurabi invested in infrastructure, such as temples, roads, and canals, which facilitated trade and improved agricultural productivity. This not only created jobs but also enhanced the overall economy by making transportation and trade more efficient.

While creating new trade routes and canals to trade on rivers are valuable economic strategies, they were not as directly linked to Hammurabi's specific actions as the elements of tribute and public works spending. Overall, his policies focused on consolidating and enhancing the economic power of Babylon through tribute, taxation, and infrastructure development.