How many years ago can the earliest written codes of law be traced?

The earliest written codes of law can be traced back approximately 4,000 years. This period corresponds with ancient civilizations that began documenting legal practices, most notably in Mesopotamia with the Code of Ur-Nammu and later the more famous Code of Hammurabi. These codes were inscribed on clay tablets and established rules and penalties to maintain order within these early societies. The significance of these early legal codes lies in their role as foundational documents in the development of law and governance, illustrating attempts to establish justice and social structure in human communities. Understanding this timeframe is crucial for comprehending the evolution of legal systems and their impact on modern laws.