The Victory Stele of Naram-Sin and the Code of Hammurabi are two extraordinary examples of ancient Mesopotamian artwork that celebrate the successes of a great ruler or leader. However, despite their similar purpose, there exist several distinct differences in their style and content.

To begin with, the stylistic elements differ greatly between them. The Victory Stele is a massive limestone slab featuring an image of Naram-Sin on its front side as he is depicted offering sacrifices to three gods above him while climbing mountains that represent his triumphs over his enemies below him. On the reverse side there is an inscription detailing his victories and accomplishments in battle. In contrast, the Code of Hammurabi is not a single piece but rather a collection of 282 laws written on 12 columns made from black diorite which was inscribed with cuneiform script by Master Scribe Anu-ahhe-iddin at Sippar in 1772 BCE during King Hammurabi’s reign (1792–1750 BC). This code consists not only legal rulings but also historical notes about how Babylon became united under one rule for the first time in its history due to King Hammurabi’s efforts as well as religious invocations that praise Marduk for granting him strength throughout this process.